<PAGE>
PROSPECTUS SUPPLEMENT
(TO PROSPECTUS DATED NOVEMBER 25, 1997)
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
[EQUIVANTAGE LOGO]
$100,000,000
EQUIVANTAGE HOME EQUITY LOAN TRUST 1997-4
$29,380,000 CLASS A-1 ADJUSTABLE RATE CERTIFICATES
$21,000,000 6.640% CLASS A-2 FIXED RATE CERTIFICATES
$14,000,000 7.045% CLASS A-3 FIXED RATE CERTIFICATES
$7,000,000 6.705% CLASS A-4 FIXED RATE CERTIFICATES
$28,620,000 CLASS A-5 ADJUSTABLE RATE CERTIFICATES
HOME EQUITY LOAN ASSET-BACKED CERTIFICATES, SERIES 1997-4
EQUIVANTAGE ACCEPTANCE CORP.
SPONSOR OF THE TRUST
EQUIVANTAGE INC.
SERVICER
--------------------------
The Home Equity Loan Asset-Backed Certificates, Series 1997-4 (the
"Certificates"), will consist of the Class A-1 Adjustable Rate Certificates (the
"Class A-1 Certificates"), the Class A-2 Fixed Rate Certificates (the "Class A-2
Certificates"), the Class A-3 Fixed Rate Certificates (the "Class A-3
Certificates"), the Class A-4 Fixed Rate Certificates (the "Class A-4
Certificates") and the Class A-5 Adjustable Rate Certificates (the "Class A-5
Certificates" and, together with the Class A-1 Certificates, the Class A-2
Certificates, the Class A-3 Certificates and the Class A-4 Certificates, the
"Class A Certificates") and one or more classes of subordinate certificates
(collectively, the "Subordinate Certificates" and, together with the Class A
Certificates, the "Certificates"). Only the Class A Certificates are offered
hereby.
The Certificates will represent undivided ownership interests in one of two
groups of closed-end mortgage loans (the "Mortgage Loans") held by the
EquiVantage Home Equity Loan Trust 1997-4 (the "Trust"). The Trust will be
created pursuant to a Pooling and Servicing Agreement, dated as of December 1,
1997 (the "Pooling and Servicing Agreement"), among EquiVantage Acceptance
Corp., in its capacity as the sponsor (the "Sponsor") of the Trust, EquiVantage
Inc., in its capacity as servicer (the "Servicer") of the Mortgage Loans, and
Norwest Bank Minnesota, National Association, as trustee.
FOR A DISCUSSION OF CERTAIN RISK FACTORS REGARDING AN INVESTMENT IN THE CLASS A
CERTIFICATES OFFERED HEREBY, SEE "RISK FACTORS" STARTING ON PAGE S-17 HEREOF AND
ON PAGE 16 OF THE ACCOMPANYING PROSPECTUS.
[FGIC LOGO]
------------------------
The Underwriters have agreed to purchase the Class A Certificates from the
Sponsor at 99.70% of the aggregate principal amount thereof (representing
$99,700,000 aggregate proceeds to the Sponsor, before deducting expenses payable
by the Sponsor estimated at $500,000), plus accrued interest, if any, from
December 1, 1997 for the Class A-2 Certificates, the Class A-3 Certificates and
the Class A-4 Certificates, subject to the terms and conditions set forth in the
Underwriting Agreement. See "Underwriting" in this Prospectus Supplement.
The Underwriters propose to offer the Class A Certificates from time to time for
sale in negotiated transactions or otherwise, at market prices prevailing at the
time of sale, at prices related to such prevailing market prices or at
negotiated prices. For further information with respect to the plan of
distribution and any discounts, commissions or profits on resale that may be
deemed underwriting discounts or commissions, see "Underwriting" in this
Prospectus Supplement.
--------------------------
THE CLASS A CERTIFICATES WILL REPRESENT BENEFICIAL OWNERSHIP INTERESTS ONLY IN
THE TRUST AND WILL NOT REPRESENT ANY INTEREST IN OR OBLIGATION OF THE SPONSOR,
THE SERVICER, ANY ORIGINATOR, THE TRUSTEE, THE CERTIFICATE INSURER OR ANY OF
THEIR RESPECTIVE AFFILIATES. NEITHER THE CLASS A CERTIFICATES NOR THE
UNDERLYIING MORTGAGE LOANS WILL BE GUARANTEED OR INSURED BY ANY
GOVERNMENTAL AGENCY OR INSTRUMENTALITY.
--------------------------
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 Class A Certificates are offered by the Underwriters when, as and if issued
by the Trust, delivered to and accepted by the Underwriters and subject to their
right to reject orders in whole or in part. It is expected that the delivery of
the Class A Certificates in book-entry form will be made through the facilities
of The Depository Trust Company, Cedel Bank, societe anonyme and the Euroclear
System on or about December 15, 1997 against payment in immediately available
funds.
PRUDENTIAL SECURITIES INCORPORATED
FIRST UNION CAPITAL MARKETS CORP.
- ----------------------------------------------------------------
The date of this Prospectus Supplement is November 25, 1997
<PAGE>
(continued from cover)
On or prior to the Closing Date the Sponsor will acquire the Mortgage Loans from
the Originators, as described herein. The obligations of the Sponsor and of the
Servicer with respect to the Certificates will be limited to their respective
contractual obligations under the Pooling and Servicing Agreement. The Mortgage
Loans will consist of fixed-rate and adjustable-rate closed-end mortgage loans
secured by first or junior mortgages or deeds of trust (the "Mortgages") on one-
to four-family residential properties (the "Mortgaged Properties") to be
conveyed to the Trust on the Closing Date. The pool of Mortgage Loans will be
divided into two groups (each, a "Mortgage Loan Group"). Distributions on the
Class A-1 Certificates, Class A-2 Certificates, Class A-3 Certificates and Class
A-4 Certificates will be derived primarily from amounts received, collected or
recovered in respect of the Mortgage Loan Group comprised entirely of Mortgage
Loans bearing fixed interest rates (the "Fixed Rate Group"). Distributions on
the Class A-5 Certificates will be derived primarily from amounts received,
collected or recovered in respect of the Mortgage Loan Group comprised entirely
of Mortgage Loans bearing interest at rates that are subject to periodic
adjustment (the "Adjustable Rate Group").
The Class A Certificates initially will be issued in book-entry form. Persons
acquiring beneficial ownership interests in such Class A Certificates
("Beneficial Owners") may elect to hold their interests through The Depository
Trust Company ("DTC") in the United States, or Cedel Bank, societe anonyme or
the Euroclear System in Europe. The Class A Certificates will be offered in
Europe and the United States.
The Sponsor has obtained a financial guaranty insurance policy (the "Certificate
Insurance Policy") from Financial Guaranty Insurance Company (the "Certificate
Insurer"), which policy will unconditionally and irrevocably guarantee payment
of amounts due to the registered holders of Class A Certificates ("Owners") to
the extent described herein.
Distributions of principal and interest payable on the Class A Certificates will
be made on the 25th day of each month or if the 25th day is not a Business Day,
the first Business Day thereafter (each, a "Payment Date"), beginning January
26, 1998.
It is a condition of the issuance of the Class A Certificates that each class of
Class A Certificates be assigned a rating of "AAA" by Standard & Poor's Ratings
Group, a division of The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc., and a rating of "Aaa" by
Moody's Investors Service, Inc.
One or more elections will be made to treat specified assets of the Trust as one
or more "real estate mortgage investment conduits" ("REMICs") for federal
income tax purposes. As described more fully herein, each class of Class A
Certificates will constitute a "regular interest" in a REMIC. See "Material
Federal Income Tax Consequences" in the Prospectus.
There is no secondary market for the Class A Certificates prior to the offering
thereof and the Class A Certificates will not be listed on any national
securities exchange. There can be no assurance that a secondary market for the
Class A Certificates will develop, or if one does develop, that it will offer
sufficient liquidity of investment or will continue. Prudential Securities
Incorporated and First Union Capital Markets Corp. (the "Underwriters") intend,
but are not obligated, to make a market in the Class A Certificates.
____________________
The Class A Certificates offered by this Prospectus Supplement constitute a
separate series of Certificates being offered by the Sponsor pursuant to its
Prospectus dated November 25, 1997 of which this Prospectus Supplement is a part
and that accompanies this Prospectus Supplement. The Prospectus contains
important information regarding this offering that is not contained herein, and
prospective investors are urged to read the Prospectus and this Prospectus
Supplement in full. Sales of Class A Certificates may not be consummated unless
the prospective investor has received both this Prospectus Supplement and the
Prospectus.
Reference is made to the Index of Principal Terms herein for the location in
this Prospectus Supplement of the definitions of certain capitalized terms used
herein, and reference is also made to the Index of Principal Definitions in the
Prospectus for the location in the Prospectus of the definitions of certain
capitalized terms used but not otherwise defined herein.
ii
<PAGE>
UNTIL 90 DAYS FROM THE DATE OF THIS PROSPECTUS SUPPLEMENT, ALL DEALERS EFFECTING
TRANSACTIONS IN THE CLASS A CERTIFICATES, WHETHER OR NOT PARTICIPATING IN THIS
DISTRIBUTION, MAY BE REQUIRED TO DELIVER A PROSPECTUS AND A PROSPECTUS
SUPPLEMENT. THIS IS IN ADDITION TO THE OBLIGATION OF DEALERS TO DELIVER A
PROSPECTUS AND A PROSPECTUS SUPPLEMENT WHEN ACTING AS UNDERWRITERS AND WITH
RESPECT TO THEIR UNSOLD ALLOTMENTS OR SUBSCRIPTIONS.
CERTAIN PERSONS PARTICIPATING IN THIS OFFERING MAY ENGAGE IN TRANSACTIONS THAT
STABILIZE, MAINTAIN OR OTHERWISE AFFECT THE MARKET PRICE OF THE CLASS A
CERTIFICATES, INCLUDING PURCHASES OF THE CLASS A CERTIFICATES TO STABILIZE ITS
MARKET PRICE AND THE IMPOSITION OF PENALTY BIDS. FOR A DESCRIPTION OF THESE
ACTIVITIES, SEE "UNDERWRITING" IN THIS PROSPECTUS SUPPLEMENT.
THE CERTIFICATE INSURANCE POLICY IS NOT COVERED BY THE PROPERTY/CASUALTY
INSURANCE SECURITY FUND SPECIFIED IN ARTICLE 76 OF THE NEW YORK INSURANCE LAW.
iii
<PAGE>
AVAILABLE INFORMATION
The Sponsor has filed a Registration Statement under the Securities Act of
1933, as amended (the "1933 Act"), with the Securities and Exchange Commission
(the "Commission") on behalf of the Trust with respect to the Class A
Certificates offered pursuant to the Prospectus dated November 25, 1997 and this
Prospectus Supplement. For further information, reference is made to the
Registration Statement and to the exhibits thereto, which are available for
inspection without charge at the public reference facilities maintained by the
Commission at 450 Fifth Street, N.W., Washington, D.C. 20549; 7 World Trade
Center, Suite 1300, New York, New York 10048; and at Citicorp Center, 500 West
Madison Street, Suite 1400, Chicago, Illinois 60661. Copies of the Registration
Statement and exhibits thereto may be obtained from the Public Reference Section
of the Commission, 450 Fifth Street, N.W., Washington, D.C. 20549 at prescribed
rates. Electronic filings made through the Electronic Data Gathering Analysis
and Retrieval System are publicly available through the Commission's Web Site
(http://www.sec.gov).
REPORTS CONCERNING THE CERTIFICATES AND THE TRUST
So long as any Class A Certificate is in book-entry form, monthly and
annual reports concerning the Certificates and the Trust will be sent by the
Trustee to Cede & Co., as the nominee of DTC and as the registered holder of the
Class A Certificates pursuant to the Pooling and Servicing Agreement. DTC will
supply such reports to Beneficial Owners in accordance with its procedures. See
"Risk Factors," "Description of the Securities - Form of Securities" and "-
Reports to Securityholders" in the Prospectus. To the extent required by the
Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the "Exchange Act"), the Trust will
provide financial information to the Owners of any Class A Certificate which has
been examined and reported upon, with an opinion expressed by, an independent
public accountant; to the extent not so required, such financial information
will be unaudited. The Sponsor has determined that the financial statements of
no entity other than the Certificate Insurer are material to the offering made
hereby. The Trust will be formed to own the Mortgage Loans and to issue the
Certificates. The Trust will have no assets or obligations prior to issuance of
the Certificates and will engage in no activities other than those described
herein. Accordingly, no financial statements with respect to the Trust are
included in this Prospectus Supplement.
S-1
<PAGE>
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Caption Page
- ------- -----
SUMMARY OF PROSPECTUS SUPPLEMENT........................................S-3
RISK FACTORS...........................................................S-17
SPONSOR'S MORTGAGE LOAN PROGRAM........................................S-19
Delinquency, Foreclosure and Loss Experience........................S-19
THE MORTGAGE LOAN GROUPS...............................................S-21
General..............................................................S-21
Difference Between Statistic Calculation Date
Mortgage Loan Groups and Closing Date
Mortgage Loan Groups..............................................S-21
Fixed Rate Group....................................................S-22
Adjustable Rate Group...............................................S-29
Interest Payments on the Mortgage Loans.............................S-38
PREPAYMENT AND YIELD CONSIDERATIONS....................................S-38
Projected Prepayments and Yields for Class A Certificates...........S-38
Payment Delay Feature of Class A-2 Certificates,
Class A-3 Certificates and Class A-4 Certificates.................S-47
USE OF PROCEEDS........................................................S-47
THE SPONSOR, THE SERVICER AND SUB-SERVICERS............................S-47
THE ORIGINATORS........................................................S-49
DESCRIPTION OF THE CERTIFICATES........................................S-50
General.............................................................S-50
Payment Dates and Distributions.....................................S-50
Book Entry Registration of the Class A Certificates.................S-51
Distributions.......................................................S-54
Subordination of Class B Certificates...............................S-54
Cross-collateralization Provisions..................................S-55
Overcollateralization and the Certificate Insurance Policy..........S-57
Credit Enhancement Does Not Apply to Prepayment Risk................S-57
Class A Distributions and Insured Payments
to the Owners of the Class A Certificates.........................S-57
Flow of Funds.......................................................S-58
Certain Activities..................................................S-59
THE CERTIFICATE INSURANCE POLICY.......................................S-60
THE CERTIFICATE INSURER................................................S-61
General.............................................................S-61
Capitalization......................................................S-62
THE POOLING AND SERVICING AGREEMENT....................................S-63
Formation of the Trust..............................................S-63
Sale of Mortgage Loans..............................................S-63
Governing Law.......................................................S-64
Termination of the Trust............................................S-64
Optional Termination................................................S-64
MATERIAL FEDERAL INCOME TAX CONSEQUENCES...............................S-65
REMIC Elections.....................................................S-65
Class A-5 Certificates..............................................S-66
Non-U.S. Holders....................................................S-66
ERISA CONSIDERATIONS...................................................S-66
RATINGS................................................................S-68
LEGAL INVESTMENT CONSIDERATIONS........................................S-68
UNDERWRITING...........................................................S-68
EXPERTS................................................................S-69
CERTAIN LEGAL MATTERS..................................................S-69
INDEX OF PRINCIPAL TERMS...............................................S-70
ANNEX I.................................................................I-1
APPENDIX A..............................................................A-1
APPENDIX B..............................................................B-1
S-2
<PAGE>
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 the accompanying Prospectus.
Issuer EquiVantage Home Equity Loan Trust 1997-4.
Securities Offered The Class A-1 Adjustable Rate Certificates (the
"Class A-1 Certificates"), the Class A-2 Fixed
Rate Certificates (the "Class A-2
Certificates"), the Class A-3 Fixed Rate
Certificates (the "Class A-3 Certificates"),
the Class A-4 Fixed Rate Certificates (the
"Class A-4 Certificates") and the Class A-5
Adjustable Rate Certificates (the "Class
A-5 Certificates," together with the Class A-1
Certificates, the Class A-2 Certificates, the
Class A-3 Certificates and the Class A-4
Certificates, the "Class A Certificates").
Sponsor EquiVantage Acceptance Corp., a Delaware
corporation (the "Sponsor"). The Sponsor's
principal office is located at 13111 Northwest
Freeway, Suite 301, Houston, Texas 77040, and
its phone number is (713) 895-1957.
Servicer EquiVantage Inc., a Delaware corporation (in
such capacity, the "Servicer"). The Servicer's
principal office is located at 13111 Northwest
Freeway, Suite 300, Houston, Texas 77040. Its
telephone number is (713) 895-1900.
The Servicer may appoint one or more mortgage
servicing institutions (each, a
"Sub-Servicer"), which may be affiliates of the
Servicer, to service and administer certain
Mortgage Loans on behalf of the Servicer. See
"The Sponsor, the Servicer and Sub-Servicers"
herein and "Mortgage Loan Program -
Sub-Servicing" in the Prospectus.
Trustee Norwest Bank Minnesota, National Association
(the "Trustee").
Originators The Mortgage Loans to be acquired by the Trust
from the Sponsor will be acquired by the
Sponsor from EquiVantage Inc., which has
heretofore originated the Mortgage Loans or
acquired the Mortgage Loans from certain
unaffiliated originators (the "Originators").
See "Mortgage Loan Program" in the Prospectus.
Cut-off Date The close of business on December 1, 1997 (the
"Cut-off Date").
Closing Date On or about December 15, 1997 (the "Closing
Date").
Description of the
Certificates The Home Equity Loan Asset-Backed Certificates,
Series 1997-4 (the "Certificates"), will
consist of the Class A Certificates, a
subordinate class of certificates (the "Class B
Certificates") and one or more classes of
Residual Certificates (the "Class R
Certificates"). Only the Class A Certificates
are offered hereby.
The Certificates will represent undivided
beneficial ownership interests in the Trust to
be created pursuant to a pooling and servicing
agreement (the "Pooling and Servicing
Agreement") to be dated as of December 1, 1997
among the Sponsor, the Servicer and the
Trustee.
S-3
<PAGE>
The assets of the Trust will include two
investment pools (each, a "Mortgage Loan
Group"). Distributions on the Class A-1
Certificates, Class A-2 Certificates, Class A-3
Certificates and Class A-4 Certificates will be
derived primarily from amounts received,
collected or recovered in respect of the
Mortgage Loan Group comprised entirely of
Mortgage Loans bearing fixed interest rates
(the "Fixed Rate Group"). Distributions on the
Class A-5 Certificates will be derived
primarily from amounts received, collected or
recovered in respect of the Mortgage Loan Group
comprised entirely of Mortgage Loans bearing
interest at rates that are subject to periodic
adjustment (the "Adjustable Rate Group").
The "Final Scheduled Payment Dates" for the
Class A Certificates are set forth below,
although it is anticipated that the actual
final payment date for each class of Class A
Certificates will occur significantly earlier
than such Final Scheduled Payment Date. See
"Prepayment and Yield Considerations" herein.
<TABLE>
Payment Date
Occurring In
------------
<S> <C>
Class A-1 Certificates................. November 2012
Class A-2 Certificates................. July 2019
Class A-3 Certificates................. December 2028
Class A-4 Certificates................. December 2028
Class A-5 Certificates................. December 2027
</TABLE>
Each class of Class A Certificates is issuable
in original principal amounts of a minimum of
$1,000, except that one certificate for each
class of Class A Certificates may be issued in
a lesser amount.
The Certificate Insurer does not directly or
indirectly guarantee any specified rate of
prepayments. See "Risk Factors" herein.
The Mortgage Loans The statistical information presented in this
Prospectus Supplement concerning the two
Mortgage Loan Groups is as of the close of
business on October 31, 1997 (the "Statistic
Calculation Date"). The statistical
information presented herein is based on the
number and the principal balances of the
Mortgage Loans in each Mortgage Loan Group as
of such date. On the Closing Date, the
Mortgage Loan Groups will include Mortgage
Loans that were either originated directly or
indirectly by the Sponsor or purchased by the
Sponsor from others on a loan-by-loan basis or
in bulk acquisitions after the Statistic
Calculation Date, but prior to the Cut-off
Date. In addition, some amortization of the
Mortgage Loans in each Mortgage Loan Group will
occur prior to the Closing Date. Moreover,
certain loans included as of the Statistic
Calculation Date may prepay in full, or may be
determined not to meet the eligibility
requirements for the related final Mortgage
Loan Group, and may not be included in the
related final Mortgage Loan Group. As a result
of the foregoing, the statistical distribution
of the characteristics of the Mortgage Loans in
the final Mortgage Loan Groups as of the
Closing Date will vary somewhat from the
statistical distribution of such
characteristics as of the Statistic Calculation
Date as presented in this Prospectus
Supplement, although such variance will not be
material.
S-4
<PAGE>
Unless otherwise noted, all statistical
percentages in this Prospectus Supplement are
measured by the aggregate principal balance of
the Mortgage Loans of the related Mortgage Loan
Group as of the Statistic Calculation Date.
General The aggregate principal balance of the Mortgage
Loans as of the Statistic Calculation Date is
$45,075,406.69 in the case of the Fixed Rate
Group and $19,529,267.52 in the case of the
Adjustable Rate Group. The Sponsor expects
that, as of the Closing Date, the Fixed Rate
Group will be comprised of not less than
$71,800,000 in Mortgage Loans and the
Adjustable Rate Group will be comprised of not
less than $29,800,000 in Mortgage Loans.
Approximately 80% of the Mortgage Loans are
expected to be home equity loans, i.e., loans
used (x) to refinance an existing mortgage loan
on more favorable terms, (y) to consolidate
debt or (z) to obtain cash proceeds by
borrowing against the Mortgagor's equity in the
related Mortgaged Property; the remaining
Mortgage Loans will be "purchase money" loans,
the proceeds of which were used to purchase the
related Mortgaged Property. The Mortgage Loans
to be sold to the Trust by the Sponsor
consisted, as of the Statistic Calculation
Date, of 892 Mortgages and the related Notes on
single-family homes, including investment
properties (which may be condominiums,
townhouses, manufactured housing units or homes
in one- to four-family residences), located in
29 states. The Mortgage Loans will be secured
by liens on real property of which, in the case
of the Fixed Rate Group, approximately 95% by
principal balance are expected to be first
liens and approximately 5% are expected to be
junior liens and, in the case of the Adjustable
Rate Group, 100% by principal balance will be
first liens. The Mortgage Loans in the Trust
will all be closed-end mortgage loans in that
the mortgagee will have no requirement to make
future advances thereunder. All of the
Mortgage Loans will be Actuarial Loans, as
described under "The Mortgage Loan Groups -
Interest Payments on the Mortgage Loans"
herein.
The Mortgage Loans will not be insured by
primary mortgage insurance policies and there
is no pool insurance insuring the Mortgage
Loans; however, certain distributions due to
the Owners of the Class A Certificates are
insured by the Certificate Insurer pursuant to
the Certificate Insurance Policy. See "Credit
Enhancement" in this Summary and "The
Certificate Insurance Policy" and "The
Certificate Insurer" herein. The Mortgage
Loans are not guaranteed by the Sponsor, the
Servicer, any Originator or any of their
respective affiliates. The Mortgage Loans will
be serviced by the Servicer in accordance with
the terms of the Pooling and Servicing
Agreement and with reasonable care, using that
degree of skill and attention that the Servicer
exercises with respect to comparable mortgage
loans that it services for itself and others.
See "Description of the Securities - Collection
and Other Servicing Procedures" in the
Prospectus.
Balloon Loans As of the Statistic Calculation Date,
approximately 40.16% of the Mortgage Loans in
the Fixed Rate Group by aggregate principal
balance (28.02% of the aggregate Loan Balances)
were Balloon Loans. No Mortgage Loan in the
Adjustable Rate Group will be a Balloon Loan.
S-5
<PAGE>
Program Loans As of the Statistic Calculation Date,
approximately 5.50% of the Mortgage Loans in
the Fixed Rate Group (3.83% of the aggregate
Loan Balances) are Program Loans. A "Program
Loan" is a Mortgage Loan evidenced by a Note
amended to reflect the participation of the
borrower thereunder in a loan program (the
"Incentive Program") created by the Sponsor to
encourage timely mortgage loan payments from
certain borrowers through the use of an
automatic interest rate reduction mechanism, as
more fully described under "Risk Factors -
Program Loans" herein. As of the Statistic
Calculation Date, no Mortgage Loan in the
Adjustable Rate Group was a Program Loan.
Original Class A-1
Certificate Principal
Balance $29,380,000.00.
Original Class A-2
Certificate Principal
Balance $21,000,000.00.
Original Class A-3
Certificate Principal
Balance $14,000,000.00.
Original Class A-4
Certificate Principal
Balance $7,000,000.00.
Original Class A-5
Certificate Principal
Balance $28,620,000.00.
Class A-1 Pass-Through
Rate The Class A-1 Pass-Through Rate for the initial
Accrual Period will be a per annum rate equal
to LIBOR plus 0.17%. The Class A-1 Pass
Through-Rate for each subsequent Accrual Period
will be a per annum rate equal to the lesser
of (i) LIBOR plus 0.17% and (ii) the product of
(a) the weighted average of the related
Mortgage Rates applicable to determining
interest due on the Mortgage Loans in the Fixed
Rate Group during the related Remittance Period
reduced by the sum of (x) the Base Servicing
Fee and the rate used to compute the Trustee
Fee with respect to the Mortgage Loans in the
Fixed Rate Group for such Remittance Period and
(y) the rate used to compute the premium due to
the Certificate Insurer for the related Payment
Date with respect to the Certificate Insurance
Policy relating to the Class A-1 Certificates
and (b) the actual number of days in such
Accrual Period divided by 360. "LIBOR" is the
London interbank offered rate for one-month
United States dollar deposits, calculated as
described under "Description of the
Certificates - Flow of Funds" herein,
determined on the second Business Day preceding
the first day of any Accrual Period as provided
herein (or, in the case of the first Accrual
Period, the second business day prior to the
Closing Date).
Class A-2 Pass-Through
Rate The Class A-2 Pass-Through Rate will be 6.640%
per annum.
Class A-3 Pass-Through
Rate The Class A-3 Pass-Through Rate will be equal
to (x) with respect to any Payment Date that
occurs prior to the Step-Up Payment Date,
7.045% per annum, and (y) with respect to the
Step Up Payment Date and any Payment Date
thereafter, 7.545% per annum.
Class A-4 Pass-Through
Rate The Class A-4 Pass-Through Rate will be equal
to (x) with respect to any Payment Date that
occurs prior to the Step-Up Payment Date,
6.705% per annum, and (y) with respect to the
Step-Up Payment Date and any Payment Date
thereafter, 7.205% per annum.
Class A-5 Pass-Through
Rate The Class A-5 Pass-Through Rate for the initial
Accrual Period will be a per annum rate equal
to LIBOR plus 0.24%. The Class A-5
Pass-
S-6
<PAGE>
Through Rate for each subsequent Accrual
Period will be a per annum rate equal to the
lesser of (i) for each Accrual Period ending
prior to the Step-Up Payment Date, LIBOR plus
0.24%, and for each Accrual Period ending
thereafter, LIBOR plus 0.48% and (ii) the
Available Funds Cap.
The "Step-Up Payment Date" is the second
Payment Date that immediately follows the
Clean-Up Call Date.
The "Available Funds Cap" will be, with respect
to any Payment Date and the Class A-5
Certificates, the per annum rate equal to the
percentage obtained by (I) dividing (x) the
amount of interest included in monthly payments
due on the Mortgage Loans in the Adjustable
Rate Group during the related Remittance
Period, reduced by the sum of (i) the Servicing
Fee and the Trustee Fee with respect to the
Mortgage Loans in the Adjustable Rate Group for
such Remittance Period, (ii) the premium due to
the Certificate Insurer for such Payment Date
with respect to the Certificate Insurance
Policy relating to the Class A-5 Certificates,
and (iii) in the case of each Payment Date
occurring after the Payment Date in February
1998, an amount equal to one-twelfth of 0.75%
multiplied by the aggregate principal balance
of the Mortgage Loans in the Adjustable Rate
Group as of the first day of such Remittance
Period, by (y) the product of (i) the then
outstanding aggregate principal balance of the
Class A-5 Certificates as of the first day of
the Accrual Period and (ii) the actual number
of days elapsed during such Accrual Period
divided by 360 and (II) multiplying the result
by 100. See "Description of the Certificates -
Flow of Funds" herein.
The "Class A-5 Formula Pass-Through Rate" for a
Payment Date is the rate determined by clause
(i) of the definition of "Class A-5
Pass-Through Rate" on such Payment Date.
The Pooling and Servicing Agreement provides
that if, on any Payment Date, the Class A-5
Pass-Through Rate is less than the Class A-5
Formula Pass-Through Rate, then the amount of
any such shortfall will be payable from Net
Monthly Excess Cashflow in amounts otherwise
available for distribution to the Servicer or
the Trustee on account of certain reimbursable
amounts, or to the Owners of the Subordinate
Certificates following the satisfaction of the
overcollateralization and
cross-collateralization requirements on such
Payment Date, and, if not paid from such
amounts on such Payment Date, will be carried
forward and be due and payable to the Owners of
the Class A-5 Certificates on future Payment
Dates and shall accrue interest at the Class
A-5 Formula Pass-Through Rate, until paid (such
shortfall, together with such accrued interest
thereon, the "Available Funds Cap Carry-Forward
Amount").
The Certificate Insurance Policy does not
guarantee payment of any Available Funds Cap
Carry-Forward Amount (or any interest thereon),
nor will the ratings assigned to the Class A-5
Certificates address the likelihood of the
payment of the Available Funds Cap
Carry-Forward Amount. The payment of such
amount will be funded only from Net Monthly
Excess Cashflow. Upon the occurrence of
certain trigger events, all Net Monthly Excess
Cashflow may be required to be applied to
increase the level of overcollateralization,
leaving no amounts
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<PAGE>
remaining for distributions in respect of any
Available Funds Cap Carry-Forward Amount. No
Available Funds Cap Carry-Forward Amount will be due
to the Owners of the Class A-5 Certificates once the
Class A-5 Certificate Principal Balance has been
reduced to zero.
Distributions
Generally Distributions on the Certificates are required
to be made on the twenty-fifth day of each
calendar month, or if such day is not a
Business Day, the next succeeding Business Day
(each, a "Payment Date") commencing on January
26, 1998, to the Owners of Record. See
"Description of the Certificates - General" and
"- Payment Dates and Distributions" herein.
With respect to any Payment Date, the "Owners
of Record" of the Class A Certificates shall be
such Owners as of the last day of the calendar
month immediately preceding the calendar month
in which such Payment Date occurs (or with
respect to the first Payment Date, such Owners
as of the Closing Date), whether or not such
day is a Business Day.
A "Business Day" means any day that is not a
Saturday, Sunday or other day on which
commercial banking institutions in New York,
Texas or the city in which the corporate trust
office of the Trustee is located (initially,
Minneapolis, Minnesota) are authorized or
obligated by law or executive order to be
closed.
Distributions of
Interest For each Payment Date, the interest due with
respect to the Class A-2 Certificates, the
Class A-3 Certificates and the Class A-4
Certificates will be the interest that has
accrued thereon at the applicable Class A-2
Pass-Through Rate, Class A-3 Pass-Through Rate
and Class A-4 Pass-Through Rate, respectively,
during the calendar month immediately preceding
the calendar month in which such Payment Date
occurs, and the interest due with respect to
the Class A-1 Certificates and the Class A-5
Certificates will be the interest that has
accrued thereon at the applicable Class A-1
Pass-Through Rate and Class A-5 Pass-Through
Rate, respectively, from and including the
preceding Payment Date (or, in the case of the
first Payment Date, from and including the
Closing Date) to but excluding the current
Payment Date. Each period referred to in the
prior sentence relating to the accrual of
interest is the "Accrual Period" for the
related class of Class A Certificates. All
calculations of interest on the Class A-2
Certificates, Class A-3 Certificates and
Class A-4 Certificates will be made on the
basis of a 360-day year assumed to consist of
twelve 30-day months, and all calculations of
interest on the Class A-1 Certificates and the
Class A-5 Certificates will be made on the
basis of the actual number of days elapsed in
the related Accrual Period, divided by 360.
The Pooling and Servicing Agreement defines the
"Class A Interest Distribution Amount" for each
class of Class A Certificates with respect to
each Payment Date as being the aggregate amount
of interest accrued on such class of Class A
Certificates during the related Accrual Period
at the related Pass-Through Rate (but in the
case of the Class A-5 Certificates, not the
amount of any Available Funds Cap Carry-Forward
Amount or any interest thereon) relating to
such class of Class A Certificates from prior
periods.
Distributions of
Principal The Owners of each class of Class A
Certificates will be entitled to receive
monthly distributions of principal on each
Payment Date that generally reflect unscheduled
collections of principal (e.g.,
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<PAGE>
prepayments) received in respect of the related
Mortgage Loan Group during the related Remittance
Period, and scheduled collections of principal due
and collected in respect of the related Mortgage Loan
Group during the related Remittance Period, in each
case to the extent described in this Prospectus
Supplement. The "Remittance Period" with respect to
any Payment Date is the period commencing at the
opening of business on the second calendar day of the
month preceding the month in which such Payment Date
occurs, and ending at the close of business on the
first calendar day of the month in which such Payment
Date occurs.
The Pooling and Servicing Agreement does not
require that the amount of any loss realized on
a Liquidated Mortgage Loan (a "Realized Loss")
during a Remittance Period be distributed to
the Owners of a class of Class A Certificates
in respect of the related Mortgage Loan Group
on the Payment Date that immediately follows
the event of such loss. However, based on the
subordination provisions of the Trust and the
Certificate Insurance Policy, the Owners of
each class of related Class A Certificates are
entitled to receive ultimate recovery of 100%
of the original Certificate Principal Balance
of the related class of Class A Certificates.
With respect to any Certificate and any date,
the "Certificate Principal Balance" is the
certificate principal balance of such
Certificate as of the Closing Date reduced by
all amounts distributed on such Certificate in
reduction of principal on prior Payment Dates.
The subordination provisions of the Trust
result in an acceleration of principal payments
on the Class A Certificates relative to the
ownership interests of the Mortgage Loans in
the Trust evidenced by the Class A
Certificates, which has the effect of
shortening the weighted average lives of the
Class A Certificates. See "Description of the
Certificates - Subordination of Class B
Certificates" and "Prepayment and Yield
Considerations" herein.
The Pooling and Servicing Agreement generally
defines the "Class A Principal Distribution
Amount" for the Class A Certificates issued in
respect of a Mortgage Loan Group with respect
to each Payment Date as being the sum, without
duplication, of all amounts received, recovered
or collected on the Mortgage Loans in the
related Mortgage Loan Group in respect of
principal (including amounts received from the
Sponsor, the Servicer or any Originator in
connection with a repurchase, purchase or
substitution of such Mortgage Loans or
termination of the Trust) during the related
Remittance Period, together with any
Subordination Deficit or any Subordination
Increase Amount relating to such Payment Date,
and less any Subordination Reduction Amount
relating to such Payment Date. See
"Description of the Certificates -
Cross-collateralization Provisions" herein.
In no event will the Class A Principal
Distribution Amount for either Mortgage Loan
Group on any Payment Date be (x) less than zero
or (y) greater than the aggregate of the then
outstanding principal balances of the related
Class A Certificates.
With respect to any Payment Date, the
Certificate Insurer is obligated only to cover
the aggregate of the Class A Interest
Distribution Amounts for each class of Class A
Certificates and any Subordination Deficit with
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<PAGE>
respect to the related Mortgage Loan Group for
such Payment Date. The Certificate Insurance
Policy guarantees ultimate recovery of 100% of
the original Certificate Principal Balance on
each class of Class A Certificates, but does
not provide for current payments of Realized
Losses or other shortfalls in recoveries on the
Mortgage Loans in a given Mortgage Loan Group.
A "Subordination Deficit" with respect to a
Payment Date is the amount, if any, by which
(x) the Class A Certificate Principal Balance
of the Class A Certificates issued in respect
of the related Mortgage Loan Group, after
taking into account all distributions of
principal with respect to such Certificates to
be made on such Payment Date (except for any
payment to be made as to principal from the
proceeds of the Certificate Insurance Policy),
exceeds (y) the aggregate Loan Balances of the
Mortgage Loans in the related Mortgage Loan
Group as of the close of business on the last
day of the preceding Remittance Period;
provided, that with respect to the Final
Scheduled Payment Date for the Class A-5
Certificates, the Subordination Deficit shall
include, in addition to amounts calculated as
described above with respect to the Class A-5
Certificates and the Adjustable Rate Group, any
additional amounts representing the aggregate
outstanding Certificate Principal Balance of
the Class A-5 Certificates plus accrued
interest thereon (but not including any
Available Funds Cap Carry-Forward Amount), if
the Servicer has not purchased all of the
outstanding Mortgage Loans in the Adjustable
Rate Group as of such Payment Date in
accordance with the Pooling and Servicing
Agreement.
With respect to the Class A Certificates issued
in respect of a Mortgage Loan Group and any
Payment Date, the sum of the Class A Interest
Distribution Amount for such Certificates and
the portion, if any, of the Class A Principal
Distribution Amount to which such Class A
Certificates are then entitled is the "Class A
Required Distribution Amount" for such Payment
Date.
The actual amount distributed with respect to
the Class A Certificates on any Payment Date is
the "Class A Distribution Amount" for such
Certificates for such Payment Date.
Generally, the Class A-4 Certificates are
entitled to receive payments of principal on
each Payment Date in an amount equal to the
product of the applicable Class A-4 Lockout
Percentage and the Class A-4 Pro Rata
Distribution Amount for such Payment Date until
the Class A-4 Principal Amount is reduced to
zero.
The "Class A-4 Lockout Percentage" for each
Payment Date is as follows:
<TABLE>
Class A-4
Payment Date Occurring In Lockout Percentage
------------------------- ------------------
<S> <C>
January 1998 through December 2000 0%
January 2001 through December 2002 45%
January 2003 through December 2003 80%
January 2004 through December 2004 100%
January 2005 and thereafter 300%
</TABLE>
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<PAGE>
The "Class A-4 Pro Rata Distribution Amount"
for any Payment Date means an amount equal to
the product of (i) a fraction, the numerator of
which is the Class A-4 Certificate Principal
Balance and the denominator of which is the
aggregate of the Certificate Principal Balances
of the Class A Certificates issued in respect
of the Fixed Rate Group, in each case
immediately prior to such Payment Date, and
(ii) the portion of the Class A Principal
Distribution Amount collected in respect of
such Mortgage Loan Group.
The Class A-1 Certificates, Class A-2
Certificates and Class A-3 Certificates are
"sequential pay" classes. Generally, on each
Payment Date, any portion of the Class A
Principal Distribution Amount collected in
respect of the Fixed Rate Group and not
otherwise payable to the Class A-4 Certificates
will be allocated first to the Class A-1
Certificates, until the Class A-1 Certificate
Principal Balance has been reduced to zero,
second to the Class A-2 Certificates, until the
Class A-2 Certificate Principal Balance has
been reduced to zero, and third to the Class
A-3 Certificates, until the Class A-3
Certificate Principal Balance has been reduced
to zero. Thereafter, to the extent that
distributions of principal described above in
respect of the Class A-4 Certificates have not
resulted in the reduction of the Class A-4
Certificate Principal Balance to zero, any
additional principal collected in respect of
the Fixed Rate Group will be applied to the
Class A-4 Certificates until the Class A-4
Certificate Principal Balance has been reduced
to zero.
Generally, the Class A-5 Certificates receive
payments of principal on each Payment Date in
an amount equal to the portion of the Class A
Principal Distribution Amount collected in
respect of the Adjustable Rate Group.
With respect to any Payment Date, the sum of
the Class A Interest Distribution Amount for
the Class A Certificates and any Subordination
Deficit with respect to the related Mortgage
Loan Group for such Payment Date is the
"Insured Distribution Amount" for such Payment
Date.
Credit Enhancement The Credit Enhancement provided for the benefit
of the Owners of the Class A Certificates
consists of (x) the overcollateralization and
cross-collateralization mechanics which utilize
the internal cash flows of the Trust and (y)
the Certificate Insurance Policy.
Overcollateralization
and
Cross-
collateralization The subordination provisions of the Trust
result in acceleration of the Class A
Certificates relative to the amortization
of the Mortgage Loans in the early months
of the transaction and the beneficial
interests in the Trust evidenced thereby.
The accelerated amortization is achieved
by applying the interest received during
the related Remittance Period on the
Mortgage Loans included in the related
Mortgage Loan Group in excess of that
required to cover the Class A Interest
Distribution Amount for the related Class
A Certificates on the applicable Payment
Date to the reduction of the Certificate
Principal Balance of such Class A
Certificates on the related Payment Date.
This acceleration feature is intended,
with respect to each Mortgage Loan Group,
to result in overcollateralization in that
the aggregate principal balances of the
Mortgage Loans in the related Mortgage
Loan Group are expected to exceed the
Certificate Principal Balances of the
related Class A Certificates. Once the
required level of overcollateralization is
reached, and subject to the provisions
described in the next paragraph, the
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<PAGE>
acceleration feature will cease, unless
necessary to maintain the required level
of overcollateralization.
Subject to certain floors, caps and triggers,
the required level of overcollateralization
with respect to a Mortgage Loan Group may
increase or decrease over time. An increase
would result in a temporary period of
accelerated amortization of the related Class A
Certificates to increase the actual level of
overcollateralization to its required level; a
decrease would result in a temporary period of
decelerated amortization of the related Class A
Certificates to reduce the actual level of
overcollateralization to its required level.
In addition to the foregoing, the Pooling and
Servicing Agreement provides that such excess
interest, together with certain other excess
amounts, generated by one Mortgage Loan Group
may be used to fund shortfalls in Available
Funds in the other Mortgage Loan Group, subject
to certain prior requirements of such Mortgage
Loan Group.
See "Description of the Certificates -
Overcollateralization and the Certificate
Insurance Policy" and "-
Cross-collateralization Provisions" herein.
The Certificate
Insurance Policy The Sponsor will obtain the Certificate
Insurance Policy (the "Certificate Insurance
Policy"), which is non-cancelable, in favor of
the Trustee on behalf of the Owners of the
Class A Certificates. On each Payment Date,
the Certificate Insurer will be required to
make available to the Trustee the amount, if
any, by which the Insured Distribution Amount
for each class of Class A Certificates exceeds
the related Available Funds as of such Payment
Date. The Certificate Insurance Policy does
not guarantee to the Owners of the Class A
Certificates any specified rate of Prepayments,
nor does the Certificate Insurance Policy
insure the payment of any Available Funds Cap
Carry-Forward Amount. A payment by the
Certificate Insurer under the Certificate
Insurance Policy is referred to herein as an
"Insured Payment." See "The Certificate
Insurance Policy" and "The Certificate Insurer"
herein and "Description of Credit Enhancement -
Financial Guaranty Insurance Policies" in the
Prospectus.
The Trustee or paying agent will (i) receive as
attorney-in-fact of each Owner of each class of
Class A Certificates any Insured Payment from
the Certificate Insurer and (ii) disburse the
same to each Owner of each class of Class A
Certificates in accordance with the Pooling and
Servicing Agreement. The Pooling and Servicing
Agreement will provide that to the extent the
Certificate Insurer makes Insured Payments,
either directly or indirectly (as by paying
through the Trustee or a paying agent), to the
Owners of the Class A Certificates, the
Certificate Insurer will be subrogated to the
rights of such Owners of such Class A
Certificates with respect to such Insured
Payments. The Certificate Insurer will receive
reimbursement for such Insured Payment, but
only from the sources and in the manner
provided in the Pooling and Servicing
Agreement. Such subrogation and reimbursement
will have no effect on the Certificate
Insurer's obligations under the Certificate
Insurance Policy.
Certificate Insurer Financial Guaranty Insurance Company, a New
York stock insurance company, and any successor
thereto (the "Certificate Insurer").
S-12
<PAGE>
Delinquency Advances
and Compensating
Interest The Servicer will be obligated to make
Delinquency Advances with respect to interest
to the extent that such Delinquency Advances,
in the Servicer's reasonable judgment, are
recoverable from the related Mortgage Loan.
Delinquency Advances may be funded by the
Servicer from amounts held for future
distributions on the Mortgage Loans generally
and are reimbursable from (i) future
collections on the Mortgage Loan that gave rise
to the Delinquency Advance, (ii) Liquidation
Proceeds for such Mortgage Loan and (iii)
certain excess moneys that would otherwise be
paid to the owners of the Subordinate
Certificates (the "Subordinate Certificate
Owners").
In addition, the Servicer will also be required
to deposit in the Principal and Interest
Account the Compensating Interest with respect
to any full or partial Prepayment received on a
Mortgage Loan during the related Remittance
Period out of its own funds without any right
of reimbursement therefor. The Servicer will
not be required to pay Compensating Interest
with respect to any Remittance Period in an
amount in excess of the aggregate Base
Servicing Fee received by the Servicer for such
Remittance Period.
Book-Entry
Registration of
the Class A
Certificates The Class A Certificates will initially be
issued in book-entry form. Persons acquiring
beneficial ownership interests in such Class A
Certificates ("Beneficial Owners") may elect to
hold their interests through The Depository
Trust Company ("DTC") in the United States, or
Cedel Bank, societe anonyme ("Cedel") or the
Euroclear System ("Euroclear") in Europe.
Transfers within DTC, Cedel or Euroclear, as
the case may be, will be in accordance with the
usual rules and operating procedures of the
relevant system. So long as the Class A
Certificates are Book-Entry Certificates, such
Class A Certificates will be evidenced by one
or more Class A Certificates of each class
registered in the name of Cede & Co. ("Cede"),
as the nominee of DTC or one of the relevant
depositories (collectively, the "European
Depositories"). Cross-market transfers between
persons holding directly or indirectly through
DTC, on the one hand, and counterparties
holding directly or indirectly through Cedel or
Euroclear, on the other, will be effected in
the DTC system through Citibank N.A.
("Citibank") or Morgan Guaranty Trust Company
of New York ("Morgan"), the relevant
depositories of Cedel or Euroclear,
respectively, and each a participating member
of DTC. The Class A Certificates will
initially be registered in the name of Cede.
The interests of the Owners of such Class A
Certificates will be represented by
book-entries on the records of DTC and
participating members thereof. No Beneficial
Owner will be entitled to receive a definitive
certificate representing such person's
interest, except in the event that Definitive
Certificates are issued under the limited
circumstances described herein. All references
in this Prospectus Supplement to any Class A
Certificates reflect the rights of Beneficial
Owners only as such rights may be exercised
through DTC and its participating organizations
for so long as such Class A Certificates are
held by DTC. See "Description of the
Certificates - Book Entry Registration of the
Class A Certificates" herein, Annex I to this
Prospectus Supplement and "Description of the
Securities - Form of Securities" in the
Prospectus.
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<PAGE>
Monthly Servicing Fee The Servicer will retain a "Base Servicing Fee"
per Mortgage Loan equal to 0.50% per annum
(0.75% per annum if the related Mortgage is in
a junior lien position), payable monthly at
one-twelfth of the accrual rate. To the extent
that EquiVantage Inc. serves as Servicer with
respect to Mortgage Loans, if any, sub-serviced
by Originators, if any, it may retain a portion
of such Base Servicing Fee with respect to such
Mortgage Loans, and any such Sub-Servicer will
receive a portion of such Base Servicing Fee as
a Sub-Servicing Fee with respect to such
Mortgage Loans (such amounts retained by the
Servicer, including any Base Servicing Fee, the
"Servicing Fee").
Trustee Fee The Trustee will receive a "Trustee Fee" equal
to one-twelfth of the product of 0.025% and the
outstanding principal amount of the Class A
Certificates.
Subordination of
Class B
Certificates The Class B Certificates are subordinated to
the Class A Certificates. Such subordination
is intended to enhance the likelihood that the
Owners of the Class A Certificates will receive
full and timely receipt of all amounts due to
them. See "Description of the Certificates -
Subordination of Class B Certificates" herein.
Optional Termination The Owners of the Residual Certificates and the
Servicer, acting directly or through a
permitted designee, each will have the right to
purchase from the Trust all the Mortgage Loans
then held by the Trust, at a price generally
equal to the aggregate Loan Balances of the
Mortgage Loans, together with any unpaid
accrued interest thereon, on any Remittance
Date on or after the Remittance Date on which
the then outstanding aggregate Loan Balances of
the Mortgage Loans in the Trust has declined to
10% or less of the aggregate principal balance
of the Mortgage Loans as of the Cut-off Date.
The first such Remittance Date on which such
option may be exercised is the "Clean-Up Call
Date." The right of the Residual Certificate
Owners to exercise such optional purchase right
is superior to such right of the Servicer; the
Servicer's right may only be exercised if the
Residual Certificate Owners decline to do so.
In addition, the Servicer has the option to
purchase from the Trust certain Mortgage Loans
that are delinquent, in whole or in part, as to
four consecutive monthly payments or with
respect to which enforcement proceedings have
commenced. See "The Pooling and Servicing
Agreement - Optional Termination" herein.
Ratings It is a condition of the original issuance of
the Class A Certificates that each class of
Class A Certificates receives ratings of "AAA"
by Standard & Poor's Ratings Group, a division
of The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc. ("S&P"), and
"Aaa" by Moody's Investors Service, Inc.
("Moody's"). 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 entity. The ratings
assigned to the Class A-5 Certificates do not
address the likelihood of the payment of the
Available Funds Cap Carry-Forward Amount. See
"Prepayment and Yield Considerations" and
"Ratings" herein and "Yield Considerations" in
the Prospectus.
Federal Tax Aspects For federal income tax purposes, an election
will be made to treat certain assets of the
Trust as one or more REMICs. Each class of
Class A Certificates will be designated as a
"regular interest" in a REMIC and each Class A
Certificate will be treated as a debt
instrument of the Trust for federal income tax
purposes. In addition, for federal income tax
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<PAGE>
purposes, the Class A-5 Certificates will
represent an undivided beneficial ownership
interest in an interest rate cap contract. A
class of Class R Certificates will be
designated as the "residual interest" with
respect to each REMIC election made by the
Trust. Any other classes of Subordinate
Certificates that may be issued will be
designated as "regular interests" in one of the
REMICs. See "Material Federal Income Tax
Consequences" herein and "Material Federal
Income Tax Consequences" in the Prospectus.
ERISA Considerations As described under "ERISA Considerations"
herein, the Class A Certificates may be
purchased by employee benefit plans that are
subject to ERISA, as amended, provided that
certain conditions are satisfied. See "ERISA
Considerations" herein and in the Prospectus.
Legal Investment
Considerations The Class A Certificates will not constitute
"mortgage related securities" for purposes of
SMMEA. See "Legal Investment Considerations"
herein and "Legal Investment Matters - SMMEA"
in the Prospectus.
Risk Factors For a discussion of certain factors that should
be considered by prospective investors in the
Class A Certificates, see "Risk Factors" herein
and in the Prospectus.
S-15
<PAGE>
RISK FACTORS
Prospective investors in the Class A Certificates should consider the
following risk factors (as well as the factors set forth under "Risk Factors"
in the Prospectus) in connection with the purchase of the Class A
Certificates.
Nature of Security. The total amount of a loan generally includes
origination fees, credit life insurance premium, if any, prepaid interest and
other closing costs.
The "Loan-to-Value Ratio" or "LTV" of a Mortgage Loan at any given time
is, with respect to any first lien refinance Mortgage Loans, the percentage
equal to the original balance of the related Mortgage Loan divided by the
appraised value of the related Mortgaged Property (which may be subject to a
downward adjustment by the underwriter of such Mortgage Loan). With respect
to any Junior Lien Loans, the Combined-Loan-to-Value Ratio ("CLTV") is the
percentage determined by dividing (x) the sum of the original principal
balance of such Mortgage Loan plus the then current principal balance of all
mortgage loans secured by liens on the related Mortgaged Property having
priorities senior to that of the lien that secures such Mortgage Loan, if
any, by (y) the value of the related Mortgaged Property, based upon the
lesser of the appraisal (which may be subject to a downward adjustment by the
underwriter) or purchase price valuation made at the time of origination of
the Mortgage Loan (such value, the "Property Value"). In the case of a first
lien purchase money Mortgage Loan, the lesser of (a) the appraised value
(which may be subject to a downward adjustment by the underwriter) or (b) the
purchase price generally is used to establish the Property Value. The
Sponsor's underwriting guidelines generally provide for a maximum LTV at
origination of 95% for owner-occupied properties and a maximum LTV at
origination for non-owner occupied homes of 85%, although the Sponsor may
allow a higher LTV under certain limited circumstances. It is anticipated
that not more than 0.5% of the aggregate Loan Balances as of the Cut-off Date
will represent Mortgage Loans with LTVs at origination of between 100% and
103%.
Information is provided under "The Mortgage Loan Groups - General" herein
with respect to the LTVs and CLTVs of the Mortgage Loans as of the Statistic
Calculation Date. As discussed in the Prospectus under "Risk Factors," the
value of the underlying Mortgaged Properties could have been adversely
affected by a number of factors since the respective dates of origination.
As a result, there can be no assurance that the LTVs or CLTVs of the Mortgage
Loans determined as of a date subsequent to the origination date will be the
same or lower than the LTVs or CLTVs for the Mortgage Loans determined as of
the origination date.
Even assuming that the Mortgaged Properties provide adequate security for
the Mortgage Loans, substantial delay could be encountered in connection with
the liquidation of defaulted Mortgage Loans and corresponding delays in the
receipt of such proceeds by the Trust could occur. Further, the Servicer
will be entitled to deduct from liquidation proceeds received in respect of a
fully liquidated Mortgage Loan all expenses incurred in attempting to recover
amounts due on such Mortgage Loan and not yet repaid, including payments to
senior mortgagees, if any, legal fees, real estate taxes, interest advances
and maintenance and preservation expenses, thereby reducing any collections.
Liquidation expenses with respect to defaulted Mortgage Loans do not vary
directly with the outstanding principal balance of the loan at the time of
default. Therefore, assuming that a servicer took the same steps in
realizing upon a defaulted mortgage loan having a small remaining principal
balance as it would in the case of a defaulted mortgage loan having a larger
principal balance, the amount realized after expenses of liquidation would be
smaller as a percentage of the outstanding principal balance of the smaller
mortgage loan than would be the case with a larger loan.
Investor-owned properties (determined solely on the basis of statements
made by the borrowers at the time of origination of the related Mortgage
Loan) represent, as a percentage of the aggregate principal balance of the
Mortgage Loans as of the Statistic Calculation Date, approximately 3.31% of
the Mortgage Loans in the Fixed Rate Group and approximately 3.13% of the
Mortgage Loans in the Adjustable Rate Group. It is possible that the rate of
delinquencies, foreclosures and losses on mortgage loans secured by non-owner
occupied properties could be higher than for loans secured by the borrower's
residence.
Geographic Concentration of Mortgage Loans. Approximately 80.21% of the
aggregate Loan Balances, as of the Statistic Calculation Date, represent
Mortgage Loans in the Fixed Rate Group relating to Mortgaged Properties
located in eight states: Tennessee (18.84%); Ohio (17.90%); Georgia (8.30%);
Indiana (7.30%); Florida (7.13%); South Carolina (7.10%); Michigan (6.97%);
and Illinois (6.67%). Approximately 67.23% of the aggregate Loan Balances,
as of the Statistic Calculation
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<PAGE>
Date, represent Mortgage Loans in the Adjustable Rate Group relating to
Mortgaged Properties located in five states: Michigan (17.37%); California
(15.80%); Illinois (15.39%); Ohio (13.33%); and Tennessee (5.34%).
Concentration of Balloon Loans. As of the Statistic Calculation Date,
approximately 40.16% of the Mortgage Loans in the Fixed Rate Group by
aggregate principal balance (28.02% of the aggregate Loan Balances) are
Balloon Loans. No Mortgage Loan included in the Adjustable Rate Group will
be a Balloon Loan. Each Mortgage Loan that is a Balloon Loan has its
"balloon" payment due not less than 12 years after the origination date of
such Balloon Loan. See "Risk Factors - Risks Related to the Mortgage Loans -
Decline in Property Values and Non-Standard Loan Terms - Risk of Losses
Associated with Balloon Loans" in the Prospectus.
Program Loans. As of the Statistic Calculation Date, approximately 5.50%
of the Mortgage Loans in the Fixed Rate Group by aggregate principal balance
(3.83% of the aggregate Loan Balances) are Program Loans originated under the
Sponsor's Incentive Program. As of the Statistic Calculation Date, no
Mortgage Loan in the Adjustable Rate Group was a Program Loan. Borrowers
that qualify under the Incentive Program and make each of the first twelve
payments on the related Mortgage Loan in full prior to the due date for the
next succeeding payment are automatically entitled to a reduction (i)
effective on the first anniversary date of the related Note, of the related
Mortgage Rate by 0.50% for the remaining term of such Mortgage Loan, and (ii)
effective on the thirteenth payment due date, of the loan payment amount to
an amount sufficient to repay the unpaid principal balance over the remaining
term of such Mortgage Loan at the new Mortgage Rate. Correspondingly, such
borrower is also entitled, on each of the second and third anniversary dates
of the related Note, to a reduction of an additional 0.50% in the related
Mortgage Rate provided such borrower was eligible for a rate reduction on the
previous anniversary date of the related Note and has made timely mortgage
loan payments in full in respect of the previous twelve payment dates. The
maximum reduction under the Sponsor's Incentive Program to which a Note may
be subject is 1.50%. To the extent that Mortgagors under Program Loans
qualify for any reductions in the Mortgage Rate on such Program Loans, the
Total Monthly Excess Spread for the related Mortgage Loan Group will be less
than would have been the case in the absence of any reduction in such
Mortgage Rate, which may have an affect on the weighted average lives of the
related class of Class A Certificates.
Effect of Mortgage Loan Yield on Class A-1 Pass-Through Rate. As
described herein, the Class A-1 Pass-Through Rate will adjust monthly based
upon LIBOR, but will be subject to a maximum rate equal to the product of (a)
the weighted average of the related Mortgage Rates applicable to determining
interest due on the Mortgage Loans in the Fixed Rate Group during the related
Remittance Period reduced by the sum of (x) the Base Servicing Fee and the
rate used to compute the Trustee Fee with respect to the Mortgage Loans in
the Fixed Rate Group for such Remittance Period and (y) the rate used to
compute the premium due to the Certificate Insurer for the related Payment
Date with respect to the Certificate Insurance Policy relating to the Class
A-1 Certificates and (b) the actual number of days in the related Accrual
Period divided by 360. The Mortgage Loans in the Fixed Rate Group, from
which distributions on the Class A-1 Certificates will be derived, will bear
fixed Mortgage Rates. Consequently, the amount of interest that would accrue
at LIBOR plus 0.17% on the Class A-1 Certificates during the related Accrual
Period may be higher than that which would accrue at the maximum rate
described above for the Class A-1 Certificates and in such event will be
limited to such lower amount. If the Class A-1 Pass-Through Rate is
determined on the basis of the maximum rate indicated above rather than LIBOR
plus 0.17%, the value of the Class A-1 Certificates may be temporarily or
permanently reduced.
Effect of Mortgage Loan Yield on Class A-5 Pass-Through Rate. Subject to
the Available Funds Cap, the Class A-5 Pass-Through Rate will be based upon
the value of an index (LIBOR) that is different from the value of the indices
applicable to the Mortgage Loans in the Adjustable Rate Group (which indices
will generally be determined by reference to the London interbank offered
rate for six-month United States dollar deposits ("six-month LIBOR")), as
described under "The Mortgage Loan Groups - Adjustable Rate Group" herein.
In addition, the Adjustable Rate Group Mortgage Loans will have different
rate determination dates, rate adjustment dates and rate caps and floors.
Consequently, the Class A-5 Pass-Through Rate for any Payment Date may not
equal the Class A-5 Formula Pass-Through Rate for such Payment Date. In
particular, the Class A-5 Pass-Through Rate will adjust monthly, while the
interest rates of the Mortgage Loans in the Adjustable Rate Group will adjust
less frequently, with the result that the Class A-5 Pass-Through Rate may be
lower than the Class A-5 Formula Pass-Through Rate for extended periods in a
rising interest rate environment. As of the Statistic Calculation Date,
approximately 83.42% of the Mortgage Loans included in the Adjustable Rate
Group have initial Mortgage Rates and payments that remain fixed for 24
months or more from the date of origination thereof before such Mortgage
Loans become subject to adjustment. The inclusion of such Mortgage Loans in
the Adjustable Rate Group may increase the likelihood that the Class A-5
Pass-Through Rate will be determined based on the Available Funds Cap rather
than on the basis of LIBOR plus 0.24% if LIBOR
S-17
<PAGE>
increases appreciably prior to the time that such Mortgage Loans have reached
their respective dates of first adjustment. In addition, LIBOR and the
indices applicable to such Mortgage Loans may respond to different economic
and market factors, and there is no necessary correspondence between them.
Thus it is possible, for example, that LIBOR may rise during a period in
which one or more of such indices are stable or are falling or that, even if
both LIBOR and such indices rise during the same period, LIBOR may rise much
more rapidly than such indices. In addition, the Adjustable Rate Group
Mortgage Loans will generally be subject to periodic rate caps of 1.50% per
semi-annual adjustment period and to specified lifetime rate caps and, in
some instances, lifetime rate floors.
Condition of Mortgaged Properties. EquiVantage Inc. will represent and
warrant in the Master Transfer Agreements, in connection with the transfer of
each Mortgage Loan pursuant thereto, that, to the best of its knowledge, as
of the Cut-off Date the related Mortgaged Property is free of material damage
and is in good repair. In the event a breach of such representation and
warranty materially and adversely affects the interest of the Owners of the
Certificates or the Certificate Insurer (notwithstanding that such
representation and warranty was made to the best of EquiVantage Inc.'s
knowledge), such breach is not cured within the time limits specified in the
Master Transfer Agreements, EquiVantage Inc. will substitute another mortgage
loan for such Mortgage Loan in accordance with the terms of the Master
Transfer Agreements or, if unable to do so, repurchase such Mortgage Loan.
In the event EquiVantage Inc. is unable to effect a substitution and instead
repurchases such Mortgage Loan, the rate of principal payments on the
Mortgage Loans in the related Mortgage Loan Group will increase, affecting
the yield on the related Certificates. See "Prepayment and Yield
Considerations" herein.
SPONSOR'S MORTGAGE LOAN PROGRAM
The Mortgage Loan Groups will include loans that were either originated
directly or indirectly by the Sponsor or purchased by the Sponsor from others
on a loan-by-loan basis or in bulk acquisitions of loan portfolios.
Approximately 99.49% of the aggregate Loan Balances, as of the Statistic
Calculation Date, represent Mortgage Loans in the Fixed Rate Group and
approximately 56.39% of the aggregate Loan Balances, as of the Statistic
Calculation Date, represent Mortgage Loans in the Adjustable Rate Group that
were originated by the Sponsor directly, indirectly or through Unaffiliated
Originators in accordance with the Sponsor's guidelines. See "Mortgage Loan
Program - The Sponsor's Underwriting Process" in the Prospectus. The balance
of the Mortgage Loans in the Fixed Rate Group and the Adjustable Rate Group
as of the Statistic Calculation Date have been acquired by the Sponsor from
Unaffiliated Originators in Bulk Acquisitions. All of the Mortgage Loans
that were acquired in Bulk Acquisitions have been reunderwritten by the
Sponsor through a review of the related mortgage loan files and reclassified
in accordance with the Sponsor's guidelines. See "Mortgage Loan Program
- -Bulk Guidelines" in the Prospectus.
Until August 1, 1997, all mortgage loans originated or acquired by the
Sponsor indirectly through EquiVantage Inc. (the "Sponsor's Portfolio") were
being sub-serviced by Transworld Mortgage Corporation, a Texas corporation
("Transworld"), an affiliate of the Sponsor and the Servicer. As further
described in "The Sponsor, the Servicer and Sub-Servicers" herein, the
Servicer now services the Sponsor's Portfolio directly.
Delinquency, Foreclosure and Loss Experience
The following table sets forth information relating to the delinquency
and foreclosure experience for the Sponsor's Portfolio for the periods
indicated.
S-18
<PAGE>
DELINQUENCY EXPERIENCE OF THE SPONSOR'S PORTFOLIO OF MORTGAGE LOANS(1)
As of
October 31, 1997
----------------
Number of mortgage loans................................ 9,689
Dollar amount of mortgage loans......................... $597,288,429
Delinquency Period:
30-59 Days
% of number of loans(2)............................. 2.61%
% of dollar amount of loans(3)...................... 2.41%
60-89 Days
% of number of loans(2)............................. 0.96%
% of dollar amount of loans(3)...................... 0.83%
90 Days and over
% of number of loans(2)............................. 3.15%
% of dollar amount of loans(3)...................... 3.24%
Foreclosed Properties
% of number of loans(2)............................. 1.02%
% of dollar amount of loans(3)...................... 0.93%
(1) The mortgage loans comprising the Sponsor's Portfolio were
originated beginning in August 1993 and acquired by the Sponsor
beginning in May 1994.
(2) The number of delinquent or foreclosed mortgage loans as a
percentage of the total "number of mortgage loans" as of the date
indicated. A loan is considered "delinquent" if a payment is not
made on the same day in the month following the due date. For
example, a loan with an unpaid August 1st installment would be
considered delinquent if the payment were not received by the close
of business on September 1st. Such loan would be shown as current
in the August month-end delinquency report and as 30 days'
delinquent in the September month-end delinquency report.
(3) The dollar amount of delinquent or foreclosed mortgage loans as a
percentage of the total "dollar amount of mortgage loans" as of the
date indicated.
The Sponsor's gross and net losses on mortgage loans (i) during the
nine-month period ended September 30, 1997, were 0.18% of the Sponsor's
average portfolio unpaid principal balance of $565,209,336; (ii) during the
twelve-month period ended December 31, 1996, were 0.07% of the Sponsor's
average portfolio unpaid principal balance of $308,289,602; and (iii) during
the twelve-month period ended December 31, 1995, were 0.07% of the Sponsor's
average portfolio unpaid principal balance of $85,713,227. All such losses
occurred during the period that Transworld sub-serviced the mortgage loans in
the Sponsor's Portfolio. The Sponsor had no mortgage loan losses prior to
1995.
While the above delinquency and loan loss experience represents the
recent experience of the Sponsor's portfolio, there can be no assurance that
the future delinquency and loan loss experience on the Mortgage Loans
included in the Mortgage Loan Groups will be similar. The Sponsor can
neither quantify the impact of any recent property value declines on the
Mortgaged Properties securing any of the Mortgage Loans nor predict whether,
to what extent or how long such declines may continue. In a period of such
decline, the rates of delinquencies, foreclosures and losses on the Mortgage
Loans could be higher than those heretofore experienced in the mortgage
lending industry in general. In addition, adverse economic conditions (which
may or may not affect real property values) may affect the rates of
delinquencies, foreclosures and losses and, accordingly, the timely payment
of scheduled payments of principal and interest on the Mortgage Loans.
Not more than 5.0% of the Mortgage Loans (by aggregate principal balance
as of the Cut-off Date) were originated pursuant to a "no-income
verification" program.
S-19
<PAGE>
THE MORTGAGE LOAN GROUPS
General
Approximately 80% of the Mortgage Loans are expected to be home equity
loans, i.e., loans used (x) to refinance an existing mortgage loan on more
favorable terms, (y) to consolidate debt or (z) to obtain cash proceeds by
borrowing against the Mortgagor's equity in the related Mortgaged Property.
The remaining Mortgage Loans will be "purchase money" loans, the proceeds of
which were used to purchase the related Mortgaged Property.
The Mortgage Loan Groups contained, as of the Statistic Calculation Date,
892 loans to be sold by the Sponsor to the Trust evidenced by promissory
notes (the "Notes") secured by Mortgages on the Mortgaged Properties, which
are located in 29 states. The Mortgaged Properties securing the Mortgage
Loans consist primarily of single-family residences (each of which may be
detached, a rowhouse or townhouse, part of a two- to four-family dwelling, a
condominium unit or a unit in a planned unit development ("PUD")). The
Mortgaged Properties may be owner-occupied (which includes second and
vacation homes) and non-owner occupied investment properties. Approximately
94.77% of the Mortgage Loans in the Fixed Rate Group as of the Statistic
Calculation Date are secured by first lien mortgages or deeds of trust on the
related Mortgaged Properties and approximately 5.23% of the Mortgage Loans in
the Fixed Rate Group as of the Statistic Calculation Date are secured by
junior liens on the related Mortgaged Properties. All of the Mortgage Loans
included in the Adjustable Rate Group will be secured by first lien mortgages
or deeds of trust on the related Mortgaged Properties.
As of the Statistic Calculation Date, no Mortgage Loan had a remaining
term to maturity greater than 30 years and no Mortgage Loan was more than 30
days delinquent (as such term is defined in footnote (2) to the Delinquency
Experience table above). As of the last day of the month immediately
preceding the Closing Date, no Mortgage Loan will be more than 59 days
delinquent.
Each Mortgage Loan in the Trust will be assigned to one of two mortgage
loan groups (the "Fixed Rate Group" and the "Adjustable Rate Group" and,
each, a "Mortgage Loan Group") comprised of Mortgage Loans that bear interest
at fixed rates only (except that, with respect to Program Loans included in
the Fixed Rate Group, the related Mortgage Rate may be reduced by as much as
1.50% under certain circumstances described under "Risk Factors - Program
Loans" herein), in the case of the Fixed Rate Group, and Mortgage Loans that
bear interest at rates subject to periodic adjustment only, in the case of
the Adjustable Rate Group. As of the Statistic Calculation Date,
approximately 5.50% of the Mortgage Loans in the Fixed Rate Group by
aggregate principal balance (3.83% of the aggregate Loan Balances) are
Program Loans that provide for reductions in the related Mortgage Rates by as
much as 1.50% under certain circumstances. As of the Statistic Calculation
Date, no Mortgage Loan in the Adjustable Rate Group was a Program Loan. See
"Risk Factors - Program Loans" herein. The Class A-1, Class A-2, Class A-3
and Class A-4 Certificates will represent undivided ownership interests in
all Mortgage Loans contained in the Fixed Rate Group, and the Class A-5
Certificates will represent undivided ownership interests in all Mortgage
Loans contained in the Adjustable Rate Group.
The LTVs or CLTVs described herein have been calculated based upon the
Property Values of the related Mortgaged Properties at the time of
origination. No assurance can be given that such Property 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 Property Values
decline such that the outstanding balances of the Mortgage Loans, together
with the outstanding balances of any senior liens, become equal to or greater
than the then current value of the Mortgaged Properties, the actual rates of
delinquencies, foreclosures and losses could be higher than those heretofore
experienced in the Sponsor's Portfolio, as set forth above under "Sponsor's
Mortgage Loan Program," and in the mortgage lending industry in general.
Difference between Statistic Calculation Date Mortgage Loan Groups and
Closing Date Mortgage Loan Groups
The statistical information presented in this Prospectus Supplement is
based on the Mortgage Loan Groups as of the Statistic Calculation Date. Each
Mortgage Loan Group as of the Statistic Calculation Date reflects the
Mortgage Loans comprised thereof, and the statistical information presented
herein is based on the number and the principal balances of such Mortgage
Loans as of the Statistic Calculation Date. The aggregate principal balance
of the Mortgage Loans as of such date is $64,604,674.21. On the Closing
Date, the Mortgage Loan Groups will include Mortgage Loans that were either
originated directly or indirectly by the Sponsor or purchased by the Sponsor
from others on a loan-by-
S-20
<PAGE>
loan basis or in bulk acquisitions after the Statistic Calculation Date, but
prior to the Cut-off Date. The Sponsor expects that, as of the Closing
Date, the Fixed Rate Group will be comprised of not less than $71,800,000 in
Mortgage Loans and the Adjustable Rate Group will be comprised of not less
than $29,800,000 in Mortgage Loans. With respect to each Mortgage Loan Group
as of the Statistic Calculation Date, as to which statistical information is
presented herein, some amortization of the Mortgage Loans contained in such
Mortgage Loan Group will occur prior to the Closing Date. Moreover, certain
loans included as of the Statistic Calculation Date may prepay in full, or
may be determined not to meet the eligibility requirements for the related
final Mortgage Loan Group, and may not be included in the related final
Mortgage Loan Group. As a result of the foregoing, the statistical
distribution of characteristics as of the Closing Date for the final Mortgage
Loan Groups will vary somewhat from the statistical distribution of such
characteristics as of the Statistic Calculation Date as presented in this
Prospectus Supplement, although such variance will not be material. Within 15
days after the Closing Date, the Company will file with the Commission a
Current Report on Form 8-K containing a description of the Mortgage Loans
actually included in the Trust on the Closing Date.
Fixed Rate Group
As of the Statistic Calculation Date, the Mortgage Loans in the Fixed
Rate Group consist of 709 loans secured by Mortgaged Properties located in 22
states, as set forth herein. As of the Statistic Calculation Date, the
Mortgage Loans in the Fixed Rate Group had an aggregate principal balance of
$45,075,406.69, the minimum principal balance of any of such Mortgage Loans
was $10,430.03, the maximum principal balance thereof was $650,000.00 and the
average principal balance of such Mortgage Loans was $63,576.03. The
Mortgage Rates on the Mortgage Loans in the Fixed Rate Group as of the
Statistic Calculation Date ranged from 8.00% to 14.55% per annum, and the
weighted average Mortgage Rate of the Mortgage Loans in the Fixed Rate Group
was 10.52% per annum. The original term to stated maturity of the Mortgage
Loans in the Fixed Rate Group as of the Statistic Calculation Date ranged
from 84 months to 360 months, the remaining term to stated maturity ranged
from 83 months to 360 months, the weighted average original term to stated
maturity was approximately 245 months, the weighted average remaining term to
stated maturity was approximately 245 months, the weighted average seasoning
was approximately one month and the weighted average CLTV was 81.01%. As of
the Statistic Calculation Date, no Mortgage Loan in the Fixed Rate Group had
a stated maturity later than November 15, 2027. Approximately 59.84% of the
Mortgage Loans in the Fixed Rate Group by aggregate principal balance as of
the Statistic Calculation Date require monthly payments of principal that
will fully amortize the Mortgage Loans by their respective maturity dates,
and 40.16% of the aggregate principal balance of the Mortgage Loans in the
Fixed Rate Group are Balloon Loans.
S-21
<PAGE>
FIXED RATE GROUP
GEOGRAPHIC DISTRIBUTION(1)
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
AGGREGATE PRINCIPAL % OF AGGREGATE PRINCIPAL
BALANCE AS OF THE BALANCE AS OF THE
NUMBER OF STATISTIC CALCULATION STATISTIC CALCULATION
STATE MORTGAGE LOANS DATE DATE
- ------------------------- ------------------- ------------------------- -------------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Arizona.................. 1 $ 42,000.00 0.09%
Arkansas................. 1 40,800.00 0.09
Florida.................. 51 3,214,499.49 7.13
Georgia.................. 51 3,740,347.24 8.30
Illinois................. 41 3,006,504.53 6.67
Indiana.................. 65 3,289,022.62 7.30
Iowa..................... 5 284,653.26 0.63
Kansas................... 6 193,200.00 0.43
Kentucky................. 36 2,162,757.02 4.80
Louisiana................ 34 1,884,643.39 4.18
Maryland................. 13 1,014,234.58 2.25
Michigan................. 53 3,140,203.63 6.97
Mississippi.............. 3 111,800.00 0.25
Missouri................. 3 246,400.00 0.55
North Carolina........... 40 2,187,550.78 4.85
Ohio..................... 115 8,070,497.18 17.90
Oregon................... 1 102,125.00 0.23
South Carolina........... 61 3,199,800.28 7.10
Tennessee................ 119 8,490,190.59 18.84
Texas.................... 5 296,860.00 0.66
Virginia................. 3 242,855.84 0.54
West Virginia............ 2 114,461.26 0.25
--- --------------- -------
TOTAL.................. 709 $ 45,075,406.69 100.00%
--- --------------- -------
--- --------------- -------
</TABLE>
- ------------------------
(1) Geographic location generally is determined by location of the related
Mortgaged Property; however, with respect to certain Mortgage Loans,
geographic location is determined by Mortgagor mailing address.
S-22
<PAGE>
FIXED RATE GROUP
DISTRIBUTION OF CLTVs
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
AGGREGATE PRINCIPAL % OF AGGREGATE PRINCIPAL
BALANCE AS OF THE BALANCE AS OF THE
RANGE OF NUMBER OF STATISTIC STATISTIC
CLTV RATIOS MORTGAGE LOANS CALCULATION DATE CALCULATION DATE
- -------------- -------------- -------------------- -------------------------
<C> <S> <C> <C>
15.00%to20.00% 1 $ 20,000.00 0.04%
25.01%to30.00% 7 169,717.60 0.38
30.01%to35.00% 6 150,858.98 0.33
35.01%to40.00% 6 154,200.00 0.34
40.01%to45.00% 9 420,072.59 0.93
45.01%to50.00% 11 361,927.02 0.80
50.01%to55.00% 15 615,176.11 1.36
55.01%to60.00% 25 1,732,423.21 3.84
60.01%to65.00% 27 1,001,999.77 2.22
65.01%to70.00% 46 2,457,232.68 5.45
70.01%to75.00% 46 2,893,861.24 6.42
75.01%to80.00% 158 9,709,274.06 21.54
80.01%to85.00% 139 8,890,427.05 19.72
85.01%to90.00% 138 9,881,410.93 21.92
90.01%to95.00% 73 6,495,481.69 14.41
95.01%to100.00% 2 121,343.76 0.27
--- -------------- ------
TOTAL 709 $45,075,406.69 100.00%
--- -------------- ------
--- -------------- ------
</TABLE>
S-23
<PAGE>
FIXED RATE GROUP
DISTRIBUTION OF MORTGAGE RATES(1)
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
AGGREGATE PRINCIPAL % OF AGGREGATE PRINCIPAL
BALANCE AS OF THE BALANCE AS OF THE
RANGE OF NUMBER OF STATISTIC CALCULATION STATISTIC CALCULATION
MORTGAGE RATES MORTGAGE LOANS DATE DATE
- ------------------ ------------------- ------------------------- -------------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
7.750%to8.000% 1 $ 40,600.00 0.09%
8.001%to8.250% 14 1,137,989.39 2.52
8.251%to8.500% 10 800,711.80 1.78
8.501%to8.750% 9 687,702.58 1.53
8.751%to9.000% 20 1,648,871.73 3.66
9.001%to9.250% 38 3,014,119.17 6.69
9.251%to9.500% 53 4,176,448.12 9.27
9.501%to9.750% 41 2,680,176.99 5.95
9.751%to10.000% 51 3,473,639.86 7.71
10.001%to10.250% 29 1,880,771.04 4.17
10.250%to10.500% 62 4,164,723.12 9.24
10.501%to10.750% 62 3,406,595.42 7.56
10.751%to11.000% 58 3,770,975.67 8.37
11.001%to11.250% 34 2,872,274.70 6.37
11.251%to11.500% 45 2,562,636.41 5.69
11.501%to11.750% 40 1,975,808.24 4.38
11.751%to12.000% 38 2,018,045.57 4.48
12.001%to12.250% 29 1,355,099.22 3.01
12.251%to12.500% 21 1,070,019.47 2.37
12.501%to12.750% 19 951,332.41 2.11
12.751%to13.000% 13 737,613.73 1.64
13.001%to13.250% 4 120,594.00 0.27
13.251%to13.500% 9 316,093.04 0.70
13.501%to13.750% 5 108,884.98 0.24
13.751%to14.000% 1 32,500.00 0.07
14.001%to14.250% 2 50,180.03 0.11
14.501%to14.750% 1 21,000.00 0.05
--- -------------- ------
TOTAL 709 $45,075,406.69 100.00%
--- -------------- ------
--- -------------- ------
</TABLE>
- ------------------------
(1) Does not reflect any reductions of Mortgage Rates that may be permitted on
Program Loans originated under the Sponsor's Incentive Program.
S-24
<PAGE>
FIXED RATE GROUP
REMAINING TERM TO MATURITY DISTRIBUTION
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
AGGREGATE PRINCIPAL % OF AGGREGATE PRINCIPAL
BALANCE AS OF THE BALANCE AS OF THE
NUMBER OF STATISTIC CALCULATION STATISTIC CALCULATION
MONTHS MORTGAGE LOANS DATE DATE
- ------------- ------------------- ------------------------- -------------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
72 to 84 2 $ 44,158.03 0.10%
108 to 120 28 881,813.17 1.96
132 to 144 2 88,000.00 0.20
168 to 180 386 23,749,115.15 52.69
228 to 240 103 5,424,385.69 12.03
288 to 300 4 292,753.93 0.65
348 to 360 184 14,595,180.72 32.38
--- -------------- ------
TOTAL 709 $45,075,406.69 100.00%
--- -------------- ------
--- -------------- ------
</TABLE>
S-25
<PAGE>
FIXED RATE GROUP
DISTRIBUTION OF PRINCIPAL BALANCES
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
AGGREGATE PRINCIPAL % OF AGGREGATE PRINCIPAL
BALANCE AS OF THE BALANCE AS OF THE
RANGE OF NUMBER OF STATISTIC CALCULATION STATISTIC CALCULATION
PRINCIPAL BALANCES MORTGAGE LOANS DATE DATE
- ---------------------- ------------------- ------------------------- -------------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
$ 25,000 or less 76 $ 1,497,574.59 3.32%
25,001 to 30,000 38 1,063,382.94 2.36
30,001 to 35,000 42 1,393,440.68 3.09
35,001 to 40,000 55 2,084,355.36 4.62
40,001 to 45,000 39 1,676,797.07 3.72
45,001 to 50,000 51 2,439,751.07 5.41
50,001 to 55,000 37 1,948,477.86 4.32
55,001 to 60,000 54 3,111,149.27 6.90
60,001 to 65,000 56 3,520,394.72 7.81
65,001 to 70,000 34 2,290,744.59 5.08
70,001 to 75,000 39 2,842,007.62 6.31
75,001 to 80,000 35 2,720,958.53 6.04
80,001 to 85,000 24 1,991,358.95 4.42
85,001 to 90,000 15 1,322,192.37 2.93
90,001 to 95,000 13 1,206,553.31 2.68
95,001 to 100,000 10 975,409.85 2.16
100,001 to 105,000 13 1,338,959.22 2.97
105,001 to 110,000 12 1,290,343.17 2.86
110,001 to 115,000 6 678,795.00 1.51
115,001 to 120,000 9 1,060,746.80 2.35
120,001 to 125,000 3 372,350.00 0.83
125,001 to 130,000 8 1,021,443.05 2.27
130,001 to 135,000 4 530,400.00 1.18
135,001 to 140,000 10 1,374,214.94 3.05
140,001 to 145,000 3 427,900.00 0.95
145,001 to 150,000 1 147,250.00 0.33
150,001 to 200,000 16 2,648,327.30 5.88
200,001 to 250,000 2 480,403.43 1.07
250,001 to 300,000 1 259,600.00 0.58
300,001 to 350,000 1 310,125.00 0.69
350,001 to 400,000 1 400,000.00 0.89
600,000 to 650,000 1 650,000.00 1.44
--- -------------- -------
TOTAL 709 $45,075,406.69 100.00%
--- -------------- -------
--- -------------- -------
</TABLE>
S-26
<PAGE>
FIXED RATE GROUP
DISTRIBUTION OF PROPERTY TYPE
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
AGGREGATE PRINCIPAL % OF AGGREGATE PRINCIPAL
BALANCE AS OF THE BALANCE AS OF THE
NUMBER OF STATISTIC CALCULATION STATISTIC CALCULATION
PROPERTY TYPE MORTGAGE LOANS DATE DATE
- ------------------------------------------ ------------------- ------------------------- -------------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Condominium............................... 4 $ 240,583.65 0.53%
Manufactured Housing...................... 37 1,824,752.54 4.05
PUD....................................... 10 1,247,569.75 2.77
Single Family Attached.................... 6 261,566.13 0.58
Single Family Detached.................... 639 40,686,870.82 90.26
Two- to Four-Family....................... 13 814,063.80 1.81
--- ---------------- -------
TOTAL..................................... 709 $ 45,075,406.69 100.00%
--- ---------------- -------
--- ---------------- -------
</TABLE>
FIXED RATE GROUP
DISTRIBUTION OF OCCUPANCY
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
AGGREGATE PRINCIPAL % OF AGGREGATE PRINCIPAL
BALANCE AS OF THE BALANCE AS OF THE
NUMBER OF STATISTIC CALCULATION STATISTIC CALCULATION
OCCUPANCY TYPE MORTGAGE LOANS DATE DATE
- ------------------------------------------ ------------------- ------------------------- -------------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Owner Occupied............................ 672 $ 43,447,730.93 96.39%
Investor.................................. 33 1,492,700.03 3.31
Second Home............................... 4 134,975.73 0.30
--- --------------- -------
TOTAL..................................... 709 $ 45,075,406.69 100.00%
--- --------------- -------
--- --------------- -------
</TABLE>
FIXED RATE GROUP
DISTRIBUTION OF TERM OF SEASONING
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
AGGREGATE PRINCIPAL % OF AGGREGATE PRINCIPAL
BALANCE AS OF THE BALANCE AS OF THE
NUMBER OF STATISTIC CALCULATION STATISTIC CALCULATION
MONTHS OF SEASONING MORTGAGE LOANS DATE DATE
- --------------------- ------------------- ------------------------- -------------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
0 534 $ 34,510,957.00 76.56%
1 to 12 175 10,564,449.69 23.44
TOTAL 709 $ 45,075,406.69 100.00%
--- --------------- ------
--- --------------- ------
</TABLE>
S-27
<PAGE>
ADJUSTABLE RATE GROUP
As of the Statistic Calculation Date, the Mortgage Loans in the Adjustable
Rate Group consist of 183 loans secured by Mortgaged Properties located in 24
states, as set forth herein. As of the Statistic Calculation Date, the Mortgage
Loans in the Adjustable Rate Group had an aggregate principal balance of
$19,529,267.52, the minimum principal balance of any of such Mortgage Loans was
$16,000.00, the maximum principal balance thereof was $384,751.98 and the
average principal balance of such Mortgage Loans was $106,717.31. As of the
Statistic Calculation Date, the weighted average current Mortgage Rate of the
Mortgage Loans in the Adjustable Rate Group was 9.79% and the weighted average
margin was 6.09%.
For the Mortgage Loans in the Adjustable Rate Group as of the Statistic
Calculation Date, the original term to stated maturity ranged from 180 months
to 360 months, the remaining term to stated maturity ranged from 180 months
to 360 months, the weighted average remaining term to stated maturity was 358
months, the weighted average original term to stated maturity was 359 months
and the weighted average seasoning was approximately one month. No Mortgage
Loan in the Adjustable Rate Group as of the Statistic Calculation Date had a
stated maturity later than November 15, 2027. All of the Mortgage Loans in
the Adjustable Rate Group will require monthly payments of principal that
will fully amortize the Mortgage Loans by their respective maturity dates.
As of the Statistic Calculation Date the weighted average original LTV of
the Adjustable Rate Group was 81.22%. All of the Mortgage Loans included in
the Adjustable Rate Group will be secured by first lien mortgages or deeds of
trust on the related Mortgaged Properties.
All of the Mortgage Loans included in the Adjustable Rate Group will bear
interest at a rate equal to six-month LIBOR plus a margin.
The Adjustable Rate Group Mortgage Loans will have semi-annual interest
rate and semi-annual payment adjustment frequencies. As of the Statistic
Calculation Date, approximately 83.42% of the Mortgage Loans included in the
Adjustable Rate Group have initial Mortgage Rates and payments that remain
fixed for 24 months or more from the date of origination thereof before such
Mortgage Loans become subject to the semi-annual adjustment described in the
preceding sentence. The margins for the Adjustable Rate Group Mortgage Loans
are expected to range from 3.500% to 9.100%. Substantially all of the
Adjustable Rate Group Mortgage Loans will have a periodic (i.e., semi-annual)
rate adjustment cap of 1.5%, with approximately 57.0% having a lifetime
adjustment cap of 7.0% in excess of the related initial Mortgage Rate, and
less than 43.0% having lifetime caps other than 7.0% in excess of the related
initial Mortgage Rate. As of the Statistic Calculation Date, the weighted
average number of months until the next adjustment date was 20. The weighted
average minimum Mortgage Rate as of the Statistic Calculation Date was 9.20%.
The weighted average maximum Mortgage Rate as of the Statistic Calculation
Date was 16.36%.
S-28
<PAGE>
ADJUSTABLE RATE GROUP
GEOGRAPHIC DISTRIBUTION(1)
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
AGGREGATE PRINCIPAL % OF AGGREGATE PRINCIPAL
BALANCE AS OF THE BALANCE AS OF THE
NUMBER OF STATISTIC CALCULATION STATISTIC CALCULATION
STATE MORTGAGE LOANS DATE DATE
- ------------------------------------------ ------------------- ------------------------- -------------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Arizona................................... 3 $ 462,399.75 2.37%
California................................ 15 3,085,265.85 15.80
Colorado.................................. 3 391,872.24 2.01
District of Columbia...................... 1 114,846.09 0.59
Florida................................... 8 830,127.50 4.25
Georgia................................... 2 91,850.00 0.47
Illinois.................................. 24 3,006,382.47 15.39
Indiana................................... 13 952,702.89 4.88
Kansas.................................... 2 58,200.00 0.30
Kentucky.................................. 4 376,059.54 1.93
Louisiana................................. 2 187,850.00 0.96
Maryland.................................. 5 684,821.48 3.51
Michigan.................................. 32 3,392,959.92 17.37
Nevada.................................... 1 139,927.42 0.72
North Carolina............................ 8 817,885.33 4.19
Ohio...................................... 38 2,603,536.29 13.33
Oregon.................................... 2 274,755.64 1.41
South Carolina............................ 1 70,979.58 0.36
Tennessee................................. 10 1,041,923.80 5.34
Texas..................................... 1 69,711.81 0.36
Utah...................................... 2 193,089.71 0.99
Virginia.................................. 3 416,763.78 2.13
Washington................................ 1 68,000.00 0.35
Wisconsin................................. 2 197,356.43 1.01
--- ------------------------- -------
TOTAL................................... 183 $ 19,529,267.52 100.00%
--- ------------------------- -------
--- ------------------------- -------
</TABLE>
- ------------------------
(1) Geographic location generally is determined by location of the related
Mortgaged Property; however, with respect to certain Mortgage Loans,
geographic location is determined by Mortgagor mailing address.
S-29
<PAGE>
ADJUSTABLE RATE GROUP
DISTRIBUTION OF LTVs
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
AGGREGATE PRINCIPAL % OF AGGREGATE PRINCIPAL
BALANCE AS OF THE BALANCE AS OF THE
RANGE OF NUMBER OF STATISTIC CALCULATION STATISTIC CALCULATION
LTV RATIOS MORTGAGE LOANS DATE DATE
- -------------------- ------------------- ------------------------- -------------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
20.00%to25.00% 1 $ 82,000.00 0.42%
25.01%to30.00% 1 28,500.00 0.15
30.01%to35.00% 1 84,958.19 0.44
40.01%to45.00% 1 118,891.51 0.61
50.01%to55.00% 3 226,424.02 1.16
55.01%to60.00% 2 128,798.07 0.66
60.01%to65.00% 6 485,137.51 2.48
65.01%to70.00% 13 1,423,983.17 7.29
70.01%to75.00% 14 1,269,055.35 6.50
75.01%to80.00% 56 6,590,920.00 33.75
80.01%to85.00% 31 3,299,518.26 16.90
85.01%to90.00% 34 3,388,637.13 17.35
90.01%to95.00% 19 2,362,444.31 12.10
95.01%to100.00% 1 40,000.00 0.20
--- -------------- ------
TOTAL 183 $19,529,267.52 100.00%
--- -------------- ------
--- -------------- ------
</TABLE>
S-30
<PAGE>
ADJUSTABLE RATE GROUP
DISTRIBUTION OF MORTGAGE RATES
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
AGGREGATE PRINCIPAL % OF AGGREGATE PRINCIPAL
BALANCE AS OF THE BALANCE AS OF THE
RANGE OF NUMBER OF STATISTIC CALCULATION STATISTIC CALCULATION
MORTGAGE RATES MORTGAGE LOANS DATE DATE
- ---------------------- ------------------- ------------------------- -------------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
6.000%to6.500% 1 $ 132,800.00 0.68%
6.501%to7.000% 2 381,250.00 1.95
7.501%to8.000% 3 714,386.13 3.66
8.001%to8.500% 10 1,878,115.65 9.62
8.501%to9.000% 25 3,160,384.82 16.18
9.001%to9.500% 19 1,888,752.80 9.67
9.501%to10.000% 29 3,027,443.16 15.50
10.001%to10.500% 28 2,967,817.71 15.20
10.501%to11.000% 22 1,953,572.05 10.00
11.001%to11.500% 25 2,127,865.13 10.90
11.501%to12.000% 11 966,383.65 4.95
12.001%to12.500% 4 152,821.42 0.78
12.501%to13.000% 3 114,350.00 0.59
13.001%to13.500% 1 63,325.00 0.32
--- -------------- ------
TOTAL 183 $19,529,267.52 100.00%
--- -------------- ------
--- -------------- ------
</TABLE>
ADJUSTABLE RATE GROUP
REMAINING TERM TO MATURITY DISTRIBUTION
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
AGGREGATE PRINCIPAL % OF AGGREGATE PRINCIPAL
BALANCE AS OF THE BALANCE AS OF THE
NUMBER OF STATISTIC CALCULATION STATISTIC CALCULATION
MONTHS MORTGAGE LOANS DATE DATE
- ------------- ------------------- ------------------------- -------------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
168 to 180 1 $ 100,300.00 0.51%
228 to 240 2 57,500.00 0.29
348 to 360 180 19,371,467.52 99.19
--- -------------- ------
TOTAL 183 $19,529,267.52 100.00%
--- -------------- ------
--- -------------- ------
</TABLE>
S-31
<PAGE>
ADJUSTABLE RATE GROUP
DISTRIBUTION OF PRINCIPAL BALANCES
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
AGGREGATE PRINCIPAL % OF AGGREGATE PRINCIPAL
BALANCE AS OF THE BALANCE AS OF THE
RANGE OF NUMBER OF STATISTIC CALCULATION STATISTIC CALCULATION
PRINCIPAL BALANCES MORTGAGE LOANS DATE DATE
- ---------------------- ------------------- ------------------------- -------------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
$ 25,000 or less 4 $ 80,350.00 0.41%
25,001 to 30,000 4 111,900.00 0.57
30,001 to 35,000 4 128,024.56 0.66
35,001 to 40,000 3 116,536.24 0.60
40,001 to 45,000 7 301,774.39 1.55
45,001 to 50,000 5 239,678.72 1.23
50,001 to 55,000 11 579,765.69 2.97
55,001 to 60,000 5 289,213.85 1.48
60,001 to 65,000 13 825,019.54 4.22
65,001 to 70,000 12 816,805.45 4.18
70,001 to 75,000 5 361,229.58 1.85
75,001 to 80,000 9 695,350.00 3.56
80,001 to 85,000 4 334,958.19 1.72
85,001 to 90,000 10 879,542.09 4.50
90,001 to 95,000 5 467,591.39 2.39
95,001 to 100,000 2 192,615.00 0.99
100,001 to 105,000 7 715,106.70 3.66
105,001 to 110,000 5 544,180.27 2.79
110,001 to 115,000 7 787,305.08 4.03
115,001 to 120,000 6 701,095.18 3.59
120,001 to 125,000 4 493,708.20 2.53
125,001 to 130,000 4 510,030.23 2.61
130,001 to 135,000 5 658,050.00 3.37
135,001 to 140,000 2 277,227.42 1.42
140,001 to 145,000 4 565,029.17 2.89
145,001 to 150,000 4 589,785.28 3.02
150,001 to 200,000 16 2,720,781.23 13.93
200,001 to 250,000 7 1,561,928.34 8.00
250,001 to 300,000 2 555,020.13 2.84
300,001 to 350,000 3 956,663.62 4.90
350,001 to 400,000 4 1,473,001.98 7.54
--- --------------- ------
TOTAL 183 $ 19,529,267.52 100.00%
--- --------------- ------
--- --------------- ------
</TABLE>
S-32
<PAGE>
ADJUSTABLE RATE GROUP
DISTRIBUTION OF PROPERTY TYPE
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
AGGREGATE PRINCIPAL % OF AGGREGATE PRINCIPAL
BALANCE AS OF THE BALANCE AS OF THE
NUMBER OF STATISTIC CALCULATION STATISTIC CALCULATION
PROPERTY TYPE MORTGAGE LOANS DATE DATE
- ------------------------------------------ ------------------- ------------------------- -------------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Condominium............................... 2 $ 77,936.24 0.40%
Manufactured Housing...................... 2 139,400.00 0.71
PUD....................................... 4 383,052.47 1.96
Single Family Attached.................... 1 16,000.00 0.08
Single Family Detached.................... 166 17,952,357.70 91.93
Townhouse................................. 3 552,230.80 2.83
Two- to Four-Family....................... 5 408,290.31 2.09
--- ------------------------- -------
TOTAL................................... 183 $ 19,529,267.52 100.00%
--- ------------------------- -------
--- ------------------------- -------
</TABLE>
ADJUSTABLE RATE GROUP
DISTRIBUTION OF OCCUPANCY
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
AGGREGATE PRINCIPAL % OF AGGREGATE PRINCIPAL
BALANCE AS OF THE BALANCE AS OF THE
NUMBER OF STATISTIC CALCULATION STATISTIC CALCULATION
OCCUPANCY TYPE MORTGAGE LOANS DATE DATE
- ------------------------------------------ ------------------- ------------------------- -------------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Owner Occupied............................ 171 $ 18,851,290.89 96.53%
Investor.................................. 11 611,635.63 3.13
Second Home............................... 1 66,341.00 0.34
--- ------------------------- -------
TOTAL................................... 183 $ 19,529,267.52 100.00%
--- ------------------------- -------
--- ------------------------- -------
</TABLE>
ADJUSTABLE RATE GROUP
DISTRIBUTION OF TERM OF SEASONING
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
AGGREGATE PRINCIPAL % OF AGGREGATE PRINCIPAL
BALANCE AS OF THE BALANCE AS OF THE
NUMBER OF STATISTIC CALCULATION STATISTIC CALCULATION
MONTHS OF SEASONING MORTGAGE LOANS DATE DATE
- --------------------- ------------------- ------------------------- -------------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
0 118 $ 11,335,046.00 58.04%
1 to 12 65 8,194,221.52 41.96
--- ------------------- -------
TOTAL 183 $ 19,529,267.52 100.00%
--- ------------------- -------
--- ------------------- -------
</TABLE>
S-33
<PAGE>
ADJUSTABLE RATE GROUP
DISTRIBUTION OF MAXIMUM MORTGAGE RATES
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
% OF AGGREGATE PRINCIPAL
AGGREGATE PRINCIPAL BALANCE AS OF THE
MAXIMUM NUMBER OF BALANCE AS OF THE STATISTIC CALCULATION
MORTGAGE RATES MORTGAGE LOANS STATISTIC CALCULATION DATE DATE
- ---------------------- ---------------- -------------------------- ---------------------
<C> <S> <C> <C>
13.000%to13.500% 1 $ 132,800.00 0.68%
13.501%to14.000% 4 739,386.13 3.79
14.001%to14.500% 6 1,540,915.65 7.89
14.501%to15.000% 17 2,759,352.32 14.13
15.001%to15.500% 12 1,334,227.15 6.83
15.501%to16.000% 18 2,081,390.39 10.66
16.001%to16.500% 19 2,040,231.29 10.45
16.501%to17.000% 24 2,152,360.72 11.02
17.001%to17.500% 23 2,002,492.19 10.25
17.501%to18.000% 18 1,504,546.60 7.70
18.001%to18.500% 23 1,978,176.43 10.13
18.501%to19.000% 11 966,383.65 4.95
19.001%to19.500% 3 119,330.00 0.61
19.501%to20.000% 3 114,350.00 0.59
20.001%to20.500% 1 63,325.00 0.32
-------------- ------
TOTAL 183 $19,529,267.52 100.00%
-------------- ------
-------------- ------
</TABLE>
S-34
<PAGE>
ADJUSTABLE RATE GROUP
DISTRIBUTION OF MINIMUM MORTGAGE RATES
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
AGGREGATE PRINCIPAL % OF AGGREGATE PRINCIPAL
BALANCE AS OF THE BALANCE AS OF THE
MINIMUM NUMBER OF STATISTIC CALCULATION STATISTIC CALCULATION
MORTGAGE RATES MORTGAGE LOANS DATE DATE
- ---------------------- --------------------- ------------------------- -------------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
4.500%to5.000% 2 $ 258,925.94 1.33%
5.001%to5.500% 8 1,355,895.23 6.94
5.501%to6.000% 10 946,576.64 4.85
6.001%to6.500% 5 508,513.34 2.60
7.001%to7.500% 5 359,980.12 1.84
7.501%to8.000% 4 564,635.55 2.89
8.001%to8.500% 6 1,540,915.65 7.89
8.501%to9.000% 22 3,211,177.21 16.44
9.001%to9.500% 14 1,106,213.07 5.66
9.501%to10.000% 21 2,095,784.31 10.73
10.001%to10.500% 24 2,417,558.42 12.38
10.501%to11.000% 22 1,955,018.38 10.01
11.001%to11.500% 22 1,944,685.01 9.96
11.501%to12.000% 11 966,383.65 4.95
12.001%to12.500% 3 119,330.00 0.61
12.501%to13.000% 3 114,350.00 0.59
13.001%to13.500% 1 63,325.00 0.32
--- -------------- ------
TOTAL 1 83 $19,529,267.52 100.00%
--- -------------- ------
--- -------------- ------
</TABLE>
S-35
<PAGE>
ADJUSTABLE RATE GROUP
DISTRIBUTION OF MARGINS
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
AGGREGATE PRINCIPAL % OF AGGREGATE PRINCIPAL
BALANCE AS OF THE BALANCE AS OF THE
NUMBER OF STATISTIC CALCULATION STATISTIC CALCULATION
MARGINS MORTGAGE LOANS DATE DATE
- ------------------- ------------------- ------------------------- -------------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
3.001%to3.500% 1 $ 132,800.00 0.68%
3.501%to4.000% 6 665,961.81 3.41
4.001%to4.500% 2 197,752.82 1.01
4.501%to5.000% 14 1,925,545.50 9.86
5.001%to5.500% 22 2,438,483.75 12.49
5.501%to6.000% 41 5,261,072.69 26.94
6.001%to6.500% 38 4,000,263.11 20.48
6.501%to7.000% 20 1,654,379.40 8.47
7.001%to7.500% 17 1,702,832.86 8.72
7.501%to8.000% 15 1,019,322.17 5.22
8.001%to8.500% 3 223,900.00 1.15
8.501%to9.000% 3 154,953.41 0.79
9.001%to9.500% 1 152,000.00 0.78
--- -------------- ------
TOTAL 183 $19,529,267.52 100.00%
--- -------------- ------
--- -------------- ------
</TABLE>
ADJUSTABLE RATE GROUP
NEXT INTEREST RATE ADJUSTMENT DATE
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
AGGREGATE PRINCIPAL % OF AGGREGATE PRINCIPAL
BALANCE AS OF THE BALANCE AS OF THE
NEXT INTEREST NUMBER OF STATISTIC CALCULATION STATISTIC CALCULATION
ADJUSTMENT DATE MORTGAGE LOANS DATE DATE
- ------------------------------------------ ------------------- ------------------------- -------------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
January 1, 1998........................... 1 $ 114,846.09 0.59%
February 1, 1998.......................... 2 209,013.09 1.07
March 1, 1998............................. 1 233,858.24 1.20
May 1, 1999............................... 21 2,680,327.00 13.72
August 1, 1999............................ 4 806,268.97 4.13
September 1, 1999......................... 45 5,748,987.19 29.44
October 1, 1999........................... 70 6,263,982.94 32.07
November 1, 1999.......................... 39 3,471,984.00 17.78
--- ------------------------- -------
TOTAL................................... 183 $ 19,529,267.52 100.00%
--- ------------------------- -------
--- ------------------------- -------
</TABLE>
S-36
<PAGE>
INTEREST PAYMENTS ON THE MORTGAGE LOANS
Each Mortgage Loan will provide for monthly payments by the obligor on
the related Note (the "Mortgagor") according to the actuarial method
("Actuarial Loans").
Actuarial Loans provide that interest is charged to the Mortgagors
thereunder, and payments are due from such Mortgagors, as of a scheduled day
of each month which is fixed at the time of origination. Scheduled monthly
payments made by the Mortgagors on the Actuarial Loans either earlier or
later than the scheduled due dates thereof will not affect the amortization
schedule or the relative application of such payments to principal and
interest.
PREPAYMENT AND YIELD CONSIDERATIONS
The weighted average life of, and, if purchased at other than par
(disregarding, for purposes of this discussion, the effects on a Class A
Certificate Owner's yield resulting from the timing of the settlement date
and those considerations discussed below under "Payment Delay Feature of
Class A-2 Certificates, Class A-3 Certificates and Class A-4 Certificates"),
the yield to maturity on a Class A Certificate will be directly related to
the rate of payment of principal of the Mortgage Loans in the related
Mortgage Loan Group, including for this purpose voluntary payment in full of
Mortgage Loans in the related Mortgage Loan Group prior to stated maturity (a
"Prepayment"), liquidations due to defaults, casualties and condemnations,
and repurchases of Mortgage Loans in the related Mortgage Loan Group by the
Sponsor, the Originators or the Servicer. The actual rate of principal
prepayments on pools of mortgage loans is influenced by a variety of
economic, tax, geographic, demographic, social, legal and other factors and
has fluctuated considerably in recent years. In addition, the rate of
principal prepayments may differ among pools of mortgage loans at any time
because of specific factors relating to the mortgage loans in the particular
pool, including, among other things, the age of the mortgage loans, the
geographic locations of the properties securing the loans and the extent of
the mortgagors' equity in such properties, and changes in the mortgagors'
housing needs, job transfers and unemployment.
The timing of changes in the rate of prepayments may significantly affect
the actual yield to investors, even if the average rate of principal
prepayments is consistent with the expectations of investors. In general, the
earlier the payment of principal of the Mortgage Loans the greater the effect
on an investor's yield to maturity. As a result, the effect on an investor's
yield of prepayments occurring at a rate higher (or lower) than the rate
anticipated by the investor during the period immediately following the
issuance of the Class A Certificates will not be offset by a subsequent like
reduction (or increase) in the rate of principal prepayments. Investors must
make their own decisions as to the appropriate prepayment assumptions to be
used in deciding whether to purchase any of the Class A Certificates. The
Sponsor makes no representations or warranties as to the rate of prepayment
or the factors to be considered in connection with such determination.
PROJECTED PREPAYMENTS AND YIELDS FOR CLASS A CERTIFICATES
If purchased at other than par, the yield to maturity on a Class A
Certificate will be affected by the rate of the payment of principal of the
Mortgage Loans in the related Mortgage Loan Group. If the actual rate of
payments on the Mortgage Loans in the related Mortgage Loan Group is slower
than the rate anticipated by an investor who purchases a Class A Certificate
at a discount, the actual yield to such investor will be lower than such
investor's anticipated yield. If the actual rate of payments on the Mortgage
Loans in the related Mortgage Loan Group is faster than the rate anticipated
by an investor who purchases a Class A Certificate at a premium, the actual
yield to such investor will be lower than such investor's anticipated yield.
All of the Mortgage Loans included in the Fixed Rate Group will be
fixed-rate mortgage loans (except that, with respect to Program Loans
included in the Fixed Rate Group, the related Mortgage Rate may be reduced by
as much as 1.50% under certain circumstances described under "Risk Factors --
Program Loans" herein). The rate of prepayments with respect to conventional
fixed rate mortgage loans has fluctuated significantly in recent years. In
general, if prevailing interest rates fall significantly below the interest
rates on fixed rate mortgage loans, such mortgage loans are likely to be
subject to higher prepayment rates than if prevailing rates remain at or
above the interest rate on such mortgage loans. Conversely, if prevailing
interest rates rise appreciably above the interest rates on fixed rate
mortgage loans, such mortgage loans are likely to experience a lower
prepayment rate than if prevailing rates remain at or below
S-37
<PAGE>
the interest rates on such mortgage loans. The prepayment experience on
non-conventional home equity loans may differ from that on conventional first
mortgage loans, primarily due to the lower credit quality of the typical
borrower. Because the credit histories of many home equity borrowers may
preclude them from other traditional sources of financing, such borrowers may
be less likely to refinance due to a decline in market interest rates.
All of the Mortgage Loans included in the Adjustable Rate Group will be
adjustable rate mortgage loans. As is the case with conventional fixed-rate
mortgage loans, adjustable rate mortgage loans may be subject to a greater
rate of principal prepayments in a declining interest rate environment. For
example, if prevailing interest rates fall significantly, adjustable rate
mortgage loans could be subject to higher prepayment rates than if prevailing
interest rates remain constant because the availability of fixed-rate
mortgage loans at competitive interest rates may encourage mortgagors to
refinance their adjustable rate mortgage loans to "lock-in" a lower fixed
interest rate. However, no assurance can be given as to the level of
prepayments that the Mortgage Loans will experience.
The "Final Scheduled Payment Date" for each class of Class A Certificates
is the Payment Date occurring in the following months: Class A-1
Certificates, November 2012; Class A-2 Certificates, July 2019; Class A-3
Certificates, December 2028; Class A-4 Certificates, December 2028; and Class
A-5 Certificates, December 2027. Each such date is the date on which the
Certificate Principal Balance of the related class of Class A Certificates
would be reduced to zero, assuming, among other things that (i) no
Prepayments are received on any of the Mortgage Loans in the related Mortgage
Loan Group, (ii) each distribution of principal and interest on each of the
Mortgage Loans in the related Mortgage Loan Group is timely received, (iii)
no excess interest will be used to make accelerated payments of principal and
(iv) the Mortgage Loans in the related Mortgage Loan Group have the
applicable characteristics set forth herein. The original principal amounts
of the Class A-1 Certificates, Class A-2 Certificates, Class A-3
Certificates, Class A-4 Certificates and Class A-5 Certificates as of the
Closing Date less all amounts previously distributed to the Owners of each
such class of Class A Certificates (other than the Certificate Insurer) on
account of principal shall be the "Class A-1 Certificate Principal Balance",
the "Class A-2 Certificate Principal Balance", the "Class A-3 Certificate
Principal Balance", the "Class A-4 Certificate Principal Balance" and the
"Class A-5 Certificate Principal Balance", respectively, and, collectively,
the "Class A Certificate Principal Balances." The Final Scheduled Payment
Date for the Class A-3 Certificates and the Class A-4 Certificates is the
Payment Date in the calendar month thirteen months after the month in which
the final payment on the Mortgage Loan in the Fixed Rate Group with the
latest maturity occurs. The Final Scheduled Payment Date for the Class A-5
Certificates is the Payment Date in the calendar month one month after the
month in which the final payment on the Mortgage Loan in the Adjustable Rate
Group with the latest maturity occurs. In the event that, due to
delinquencies on one or more Mortgage Loans in the Fixed Rate Group, or the
acquisition by the Trust of one or more Mortgaged Properties securing any of
such Mortgage Loans by foreclosure or otherwise, principal collections on
such Mortgage Loans are delayed, the date on which the Class A Certificate
Principal Balances of one or more Classes of Class A Certificates related to
the Fixed Rate Group are reduced to zero may be delayed beyond the Final
Scheduled Payment Date for such class(es). In such circumstances the timing
of reductions in the Class A Certificate Principal Balances of such Class A
Certificates will depend on the timing of foreclosures and collections with
respect to such Mortgage Loans. The Pooling and Servicing Agreement will
provide that, at the Remittance Date preceding the Final Scheduled Payment
Date for the Class A-5 Certificates, if any Mortgage Loan in the Adjustable
Rate Group has not been paid in full, the Certificate Insurer will, on such
Remittance Date, make an Insured Payment equal to the remaining aggregate
outstanding Certificate Principal Balance of the Class A-5 Certificates, in
each case plus accrued interest thereon (but not including any Available
Funds Cap Carry-Forward Amount) if the Servicer has not purchased all of the
remaining Mortgage Loans in accordance with the Pooling and Servicing
Agreement.
The actual final Payment Date with respect to each class of Class A
Certificates could occur significantly earlier than its Final Scheduled
Payment Date because (i) Net Monthly Excess Spread will be used to make
accelerated payments of principal (i.e., Subordination Increase Amounts) to
the Owners of each class of Class A Certificates, which payments will have
the effect of shortening the weighted average lives of each class of Class A
Certificates, (ii) Prepayments are likely to occur that shall be applied to
the payment of the related Class A Certificate Principal Balances and (iii)
the Owners of the Residual Certificates and the Servicer may cause a
termination of the Trust on or after the Clean-Up Call Date.
S-38
<PAGE>
The "weighted average life" refers to the average amount of time that
will elapse from the date of issuance of a security until each dollar of
principal of such security will be repaid to the investor. The weighted
average life of each class of Class A Certificates will be influenced by the
rate at which principal payments on the Mortgage Loans in the related
Mortgage Loan Group are received, which may be in the form of scheduled
amortization, accelerated amortization or prepayments (for this purpose, the
term "prepayment" includes Prepayments and liquidations due to default) or as
a result of an early termination of the Trust.
Prepayments of home equity loans are commonly measured relative to a
prepayment standard or model that represents an assumed rate of prepayment
each month relative to the then outstanding principal balance of a pool of
mortgage loans for the life of such mortgage loans. The model used in this
Prospectus Supplement with respect to the Class A-1 Certificates, Class A-2
Certificates, Class A-3 Certificates and Class A-4 Certificates is the Home
Equity Prepayment ("HEP") assumption. HEP assumes that a pool of loans
prepays in the first month at a constant prepayment rate that corresponds in
CPR to one-tenth the given HEP percentage and increases by an additional
one-tenth each month thereafter until the tenth month, where it remains at a
CPR equal to the given HEP percentage. The model used in this Prospectus
Supplement with respect to the Class A-5 Certificates is the Constant
Prepayment Rate ("CPR"). CPR represents an assumed constant rate of
prepayment each month, expressed as an annual rate, relative to the then
outstanding principal balance of a pool of home equity loans for the life of
such home equity loans. Neither model purports to be either an historical
description of the prepayment experience of any pool of home equity loans or
a prediction of the anticipated rate of prepayment of any home equity loans,
including the Mortgage Loans. The Sponsor believes that no existing
statistics of which it is aware provide a reliable basis for Beneficial
Owners of Class A Certificates to predict the amount or the timing of receipt
of prepayments on the Mortgage Loans.
The tables below were prepared on the basis of the assumptions in the
following paragraph ("Structuring Assumptions"). There are discrepancies
between the characteristics of the actual Mortgage Loans that will be
included in each Mortgage Loan Group and the characteristics of the Mortgage
Loans assumed in preparing the tables. Any such discrepancy may have an
effect upon the percentage of the Class A Certificate Principal Balances
outstanding and the weighted average lives of the Class A Certificates set
forth in the tables. In addition, because the actual Mortgage Loans in each
Mortgage Loan Group will have characteristics that differ from those assumed
in preparing the tables set forth below, the distributions of principal on
the Class A Certificates may be made earlier or later than as indicated in
the tables.
For the purpose of the tables below, it is assumed that: (i) the Mortgage
Loans consist of synthetic mortgage loans having the characteristics set
forth below, (ii) the Closing Date for the Certificates is December 15, 1997,
(iii) distributions on the Certificates are made on the 25th day of each
month regardless of the day on which the Payment Date actually occurs,
commencing in January 1998, in accordance with the priorities described
herein, (iv) the Mortgage Loans prepay at the specified percentages of HEP or
CPR, as applicable, as specified above, (v) prepayments include 30 day's
interest thereon, (vi) termination of the Trust occurs at maturity, (vii) the
Specified Subordinated Amount for each Mortgage Loan Group is set initially
as specified in the Pooling and Servicing Agreement, does not increase above
its base level (i.e., does not "step up" as a result of any loss or
delinquency trigger events occurring) and thereafter decreases in accordance
with the provisions of the Pooling and Servicing Agreement, (viii) no
Mortgage Loan in the related Mortgage Loan Group is ever delinquent, (ix)
six-month LIBOR remains constant at 5.9063%, (x) the Mortgage Rate for each
Mortgage Loan in the Adjustable Rate Group is adjusted on its next Mortgage
Rate adjustment date (and on subsequent Mortgage Rate adjustment dates, if
necessary) to equal the sum of the applicable gross margin set forth below
plus six-month LIBOR specified in clause (ix) above (such sum being subject
to the applicable assumed periodic adjustment cap set forth below), (xi) for
the Class A-1, Class A-2, Class A-3 and Class A-4 Certificates, the Mortgage
Loans in the Fixed Rate Group prepay according to the indicated percentages
of HEP under the "Percentage of Original Certificate Principal Balance
Outstanding" table for each such class set forth below and the Mortgage Loans
in the Adjustable Rate Group prepay at 25% CPR, (xii) for the Class A-5
Certificates, the Mortgage Loans in the Adjustable Rate Group prepay
according to the indicated percentages of CPR under the "Percentage of
Original Certificate Principal Balance Outstanding" table for such class set
forth below and the Mortgage Loans in the Fixed Rate Group prepay at 24% HEP,
(xiii) LIBOR remains constant at 5.6875% and (xiv) the Mortgage Rates for
Program Loans in each Mortgage Loan Group are not reduced below the Mortgage
Rate established at origination of the related Program Loan.
S-39
<PAGE>
FIXED RATE GROUP
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
MORTGAGE RATE ORIGINAL
NET OF THE ORIGINAL TERM REMAINING AMORTIZATION
AMORTIZATION PRINCIPAL MORTGAGE SERVICING TO MATURITY TERM MATURITY TERM
METHODOLOGY BALANCE RATE FEE (IN MONTHS) (IN MONTHS) (IN MONTHS)
- --------------------------- ------------------ ----------- --------------- ----------------- ----------------- ---------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Balloon.................... $ 28,757,994.25 10.620% 10.113% 360 359 180
Level...................... $ 1,470,898.73 10.526% 9.993% 118 117 118
Level...................... $ 9,107,095.29 10.451% 9.906% 180 179 180
Level...................... $ 8,616,598.47 10.797% 10.265% 240 239 240
Level...................... $ 23,649,379.35 10.390% 9.809% 359 358 359
</TABLE>
ADJUSTABLE RATE GROUP
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
ORIGINAL
TERM TO
MATURITY/ REMAINING PERIODIC
MAXIMUM AMORTIZATION TERM RATE
AMORTIZATION PRINCIPAL MONTHS MORTGAGE GROSS MORTGAGE TERM MATURITY ADJUSTMENT
METHODOLOGY BALANCE TO RESET RATE MARGIN RATE (IN MONTHS) (IN MONTHS) CAP
- -------------------- ------------- ---------- --------- --------- ---------- ----------- ------------ ------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Level............... $4,944,542.35 6 8.499% 5.524% 14.750% 360 359 1.420
Level............... $1,223,551.80 21 9.754% 5.861% 15.254% 360 357 1.221
Level............... $8,724,363.55 22 9.547% 6.095% 15.218% 360 358 1.268
Level............... $9,505,894.28 23 10.311% 6.369% 16.556% 356 355 1.450
Level............... $5,268,902.10 24 10.455% 6.134% 16.821% 359 358 1.500
</TABLE>
The following tables indicate, based on the Structuring Assumptions, the
percentages of the Original Certificate Principal Balance of each class of
Class A Certificates that would be outstanding after each of the dates shown
based on prepayment scenarios described in the table entitled "Prepayment
Scenarios", and the corresponding weighted average life of the related class
of Class A Certificates. It is not likely that (i) all of the Mortgage Loans
in the related Mortgage Loan Group will have the characteristics assumed and
(ii) the Mortgage Loans in the related Mortgage Loan Group will prepay at the
specified percentages of HEP or CPR, as applicable, or at any other constant
percentage. Moreover, the diverse remaining terms to maturity of the Mortgage
Loans in the related Mortgage Loan Group could produce slower or faster
principal distributions than indicated in the tables at the specified
percentages of HEP or CPR, if applicable, even if the weighted average
remaining term to maturity of the Mortgage Loans in the related Mortgage Loan
Group is consistent with the remaining terms to maturity of the Mortgage
Loans specified in the Structuring Assumptions.
S-40
<PAGE>
PERCENTAGE OF ORIGINAL CLASS A-1 CERTIFICATE
PRINCIPAL BALANCE OUTSTANDING
Class A-1 Percentage of HEP
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
PAYMENT DATE 0% 12% 24% 28% 36% 48%
- ------------------------------------ --------- --------- --------- --------- --------- ---------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Initial Balance..................... 100 100 100 100 100 100
December 25, 1998................... 89 69 49 40 28 6
December 25, 1999................... 85 38 0 0 0 0
December 25, 2000................... 81 13 0 0 0 0
December 25, 2001................... 78 0 0 0 0 0
December 25, 2002................... 74 0 0 0 0 0
December 25, 2003................... 70 0 0 0 0 0
December 25, 2004................... 66 0 0 0 0 0
December 25, 2005................... 62 0 0 0 0 0
December 25, 2006................... 58 0 0 0 0 0
December 25, 2007................... 54 0 0 0 0 0
December 25, 2008................... 49 0 0 0 0 0
December 25, 2009................... 43 0 0 0 0 0
December 25, 2010................... 37 0 0 0 0 0
December 25, 2011................... 30 0 0 0 0 0
December 25, 2012................... 0 0 0 0 0 0
December 25, 2013................... 0 0 0 0 0 0
December 25, 2014................... 0 0 0 0 0 0
December 25, 2015................... 0 0 0 0 0 0
December 25, 2016................... 0 0 0 0 0 0
December 25, 2017................... 0 0 0 0 0 0
December 25, 2018................... 0 0 0 0 0 0
December 25, 2019................... 0 0 0 0 0 0
December 25, 2020................... 0 0 0 0 0 0
December 25, 2021................... 0 0 0 0 0 0
December 25, 2022................... 0 0 0 0 0 0
December 25, 2023................... 0 0 0 0 0 0
December 25, 2024................... 0 0 0 0 0 0
December 25, 2025................... 0 0 0 0 0 0
December 25, 2026................... 0 0 0 0 0 0
December 25, 2027................... 0 0 0 0 0 0
December 25, 2028................... 0 0 0 0 0 0
Weighted Average Life (Years)(1).... 9.4 1.8 1.1 0.9 0.8 0.7
</TABLE>
- ------------------------
(1) To Clean-Up Call Date.
S-41
<PAGE>
PERCENTAGE OF ORIGINAL CLASS A-2 CERTIFICATE
PRINCIPAL BALANCE OUTSTANDING
Class A-2 Percentage of HEP
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
PAYMENT DATE 0% 12% 24% 28% 36% 48%
- ------------------------------------ --------- --------- --------- --------- --------- ---------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Initial Balance..................... 100 100 100 100 100 100
December 25, 1998................... 100 100 100 100 100 100
December 25, 1999................... 100 100 95 74 43 0
December 25, 2000................... 100 100 43 20 0 0
December 25, 2001................... 100 89 11 0 0 0
December 25, 2002................... 100 64 0 0 0 0
December 25, 2003................... 100 45 0 0 0 0
December 25, 2004................... 100 30 0 0 0 0
December 25, 2005................... 100 21 0 0 0 0
December 25, 2006................... 100 12 0 0 0 0
December 25, 2007................... 100 2 0 0 0 0
December 25, 2008................... 100 0 0 0 0 0
December 25, 2009................... 100 0 0 0 0 0
December 25, 2010................... 100 0 0 0 0 0
December 25, 2011................... 100 0 0 0 0 0
December 25, 2012................... 30 0 0 0 0 0
December 25, 2013................... 30 0 0 0 0 0
December 25, 2014................... 24 0 0 0 0 0
December 25, 2015................... 17 0 0 0 0 0
December 25, 2016................... 10 0 0 0 0 0
December 25, 2017................... 2 0 0 0 0 0
December 25, 2018................... 0 0 0 0 0 0
December 25, 2019................... 0 0 0 0 0 0
December 25, 2020................... 0 0 0 0 0 0
December 25, 2021................... 0 0 0 0 0 0
December 25, 2022................... 0 0 0 0 0 0
December 25, 2023................... 0 0 0 0 0 0
December 25, 2024................... 0 0 0 0 0 0
December 25, 2025................... 0 0 0 0 0 0
December 25, 2026................... 0 0 0 0 0 0
December 25, 2027................... 0 0 0 0 0 0
December 25, 2028................... 0 0 0 0 0 0
Weighted Average Life (Years)(1).... 15.9 6.2 3.0 2.5 2.0 1.5
</TABLE>
- ------------------------
(1) To Clean-Up Call Date.
S-42
<PAGE>
PERCENTAGE OF ORIGINAL CLASS A-3 CERTIFICATE
PRINCIPAL BALANCE OUTSTANDING
Class A-3 Percentage of HEP
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
PAYMENT DATE 0% 12% 24% 28% 36% 48%
- ------------------------------------ --------- --------- --------- --------- --------- ---------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Initial Balance..................... 100 100 100 100 100 100
December 25, 1998................... 100 100 100 100 100 100
December 25, 1999................... 100 100 100 100 100 97
December 25, 2000................... 100 100 100 100 86 29
December 25, 2001................... 100 100 100 84 45 0
December 25, 2002................... 100 100 82 52 21 0
December 25, 2003................... 100 100 59 35 0 0
December 25, 2004................... 100 100 44 24 0 0
December 25, 2005................... 100 100 40 0 0 0
December 25, 2006................... 100 100 32 0 0 0
December 25, 2007................... 100 100 0 0 0 0
December 25, 2008................... 100 90 0 0 0 0
December 25, 2009................... 100 77 0 0 0 0
December 25, 2010................... 100 66 0 0 0 0
December 25, 2011................... 100 56 0 0 0 0
December 25, 2012................... 100 0 0 0 0 0
December 25, 2013................... 100 0 0 0 0 0
December 25, 2014................... 100 0 0 0 0 0
December 25, 2015................... 100 0 0 0 0 0
December 25, 2016................... 100 0 0 0 0 0
December 25, 2017................... 100 0 0 0 0 0
December 25, 2018................... 96 0 0 0 0 0
December 25, 2019................... 89 0 0 0 0 0
December 25, 2020................... 81 0 0 0 0 0
December 25, 2021................... 73 0 0 0 0 0
December 25, 2022................... 63 0 0 0 0 0
December 25, 2023................... 52 0 0 0 0 0
December 25, 2024................... 40 0 0 0 0 0
December 25, 2025................... 0 0 0 0 0 0
December 25, 2026................... 0 0 0 0 0 0
December 25, 2027................... 0 0 0 0 0 0
December 25, 2028................... 0 0 0 0 0 0
Weighted Average Life (Years)(1).... 25.6 13.6 7.2 5.5 4.0 2.8
</TABLE>
- ------------------------
(1) To Clean-Up Call Date.
S-43
<PAGE>
PERCENTAGE OF ORIGINAL CLASS A-4 CERTIFICATE
PRINCIPAL BALANCE OUTSTANDING
Class A-4 Percentage of HEP
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
PAYMENT DATE 0% 12% 24% 28% 36% 48%
- ------------------------------------ --------- --------- --------- --------- --------- ---------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Initial Balance..................... 100 100 100 100 100 100
December 25, 1998................... 100 100 100 100 100 100
December 25, 1999................... 100 100 100 100 100 100
December 25, 2000................... 100 100 100 100 100 100
December 25, 2001................... 99 93 88 85 81 0
December 25, 2002................... 98 87 77 73 66 0
December 25, 2003................... 97 77 61 55 0 0
December 25, 2004................... 95 66 45 37 0 0
December 25, 2005................... 88 42 18 0 0 0
December 25, 2006................... 80 26 6 0 0 0
December 25, 2007................... 72 16 0 0 0 0
December 25, 2008................... 65 10 0 0 0 0
December 25, 2009................... 58 6 0 0 0 0
December 25, 2010................... 50 4 0 0 0 0
December 25, 2011................... 43 2 0 0 0 0
December 25, 2012................... 0 0 0 0 0 0
December 25, 2013................... 0 0 0 0 0 0
December 25, 2014................... 0 0 0 0 0 0
December 25, 2015................... 0 0 0 0 0 0
December 25, 2016................... 0 0 0 0 0 0
December 25, 2017................... 0 0 0 0 0 0
December 25, 2018................... 0 0 0 0 0 0
December 25, 2019................... 0 0 0 0 0 0
December 25, 2020................... 0 0 0 0 0 0
December 25, 2021................... 0 0 0 0 0 0
December 25, 2022................... 0 0 0 0 0 0
December 25, 2023................... 0 0 0 0 0 0
December 25, 2024................... 0 0 0 0 0 0
December 25, 2025................... 0 0 0 0 0 0
December 25, 2026................... 0 0 0 0 0 0
December 25, 2027................... 0 0 0 0 0 0
December 25, 2028................... 0 0 0 0 0 0
Weighted Average Life (Years)(1).... 12.2 7.8 6.5 5.9 4.8 3.6
</TABLE>
- ------------------------
(1) To Clean-Up Call Date.
S-44
<PAGE>
PERCENTAGE OF ORIGINAL CLASS A-5 CERTIFICATE
PRINCIPAL BALANCE OUTSTANDING
Class A-5 Percentage of CPR
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
PAYMENT DATE 0% 10% 15% 25% 40% 50%
- ------------------------------------ --------- --------- --------- --------- --------- ---------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Initial Balance..................... 100 100 100 100 100 100
December 25, 1998................... 96 86 81 71 55 45
December 25, 1999................... 95 76 67 50 30 18
December 25, 2000................... 95 67 55 37 19 11
December 25, 2001................... 94 59 46 27 11 0
December 25, 2002................... 93 52 38 20 7 0
December 25, 2003................... 93 46 32 15 0 0
December 25, 2004................... 92 41 27 11 0 0
December 25, 2005................... 91 36 23 0 0 0
December 25, 2006................... 90 32 19 0 0 0
December 25, 2007................... 89 29 0 0 0 0
December 25, 2008................... 88 26 0 0 0 0
December 25, 2009................... 86 23 0 0 0 0
December 25, 2010................... 85 20 0 0 0 0
December 25, 2011................... 83 18 0 0 0 0
December 25, 2012................... 81 0 0 0 0 0
December 25, 2013................... 78 0 0 0 0 0
December 25, 2014................... 76 0 0 0 0 0
December 25, 2015................... 73 0 0 0 0 0
December 25, 2016................... 69 0 0 0 0 0
December 25, 2017................... 66 0 0 0 0 0
December 25, 2018................... 62 0 0 0 0 0
December 25, 2019................... 57 0 0 0 0 0
December 25, 2020................... 51 0 0 0 0 0
December 25, 2021................... 45 0 0 0 0 0
December 25, 2022................... 39 0 0 0 0 0
December 25, 2023................... 33 0 0 0 0 0
December 25, 2024................... 25 0 0 0 0 0
December 25, 2025................... 0 0 0 0 0 0
December 25, 2026................... 0 0 0 0 0 0
December 25, 2027................... 0 0 0 0 0 0
December 25, 2028................... 0 0 0 0 0 0
Weighted Average Life (Years)(1).... 20.9 6.7 4.5 2.8 1.7 1.3
</TABLE>
- ------------------------
(1) To Clean-Up Call Date.
S-45
<PAGE>
The weighted average life of each class of Class A Certificates has been
determined by (a) multiplying the amount of the reduction, if any, of the
Class A Certificate Principal Balance of such class on each Payment Date by
the number of years from the date of issuance to such Payment Date, (b)
summing the results and (c) dividing the sum by the aggregate amount of the
reductions in the Class A Certificate Principal Balance of such class
referred to in clause (a). The actual characteristics and performance of the
Mortgage Loans will differ from the assumptions used in constructing the
tables set forth above, which only demonstrate how the Mortgage Loans may
behave under varying prepayment scenarios. It is unlikely that the Mortgage
Loans will prepay at the same levels of CPR or in accordance with HEP.
Moreover, the varying remaining terms to maturity of the Mortgage Loans could
produce slower or faster principal payments than indicated in the foregoing
tables.
Payment Delay Feature of Class A-2 Certificates, Class A-3 Certificates and
Class A-4 Certificates
The effective yield to the Owners of the Class A-2 Certificates, Class
A-3 Certificates and Class A-4 Certificates will be lower than the yield
otherwise produced by the related Pass-Through Rate and the purchase price of
such Certificates because principal and interest distributions will not be
payable to such Owners until at least the twenty-fifth day of the month
following the month of accrual (without any additional distribution of
interest or earnings thereon in respect of such delay).
USE OF PROCEEDS
The Sponsor will sell the Mortgage Loans to the Trust concurrently with
the sale of the Class A Certificates and the net proceeds from the sale of
the Class A Certificates will be applied to the purchase of the Mortgage
Loans. Such net proceeds will (together with the Subordinate Certificates
retained by the Sponsor or its affiliates) represent the purchase price paid
by the Trust to the Sponsor for the sale of the Mortgage Loans to the Trust.
Such amount will be determined as a result of the pricing of the Class A
Certificates through the offering described in this Prospectus Supplement.
The net proceeds to be received from the sale of the Mortgage Loans will be
added to the Sponsor's general funds and will be available for general
corporate purposes, including the purchase or origination of new mortgage
loans.
THE SPONSOR, THE SERVICER AND SUB-SERVICERS
The Sponsor, EquiVantage Acceptance Corp., is a wholly owned subsidiary
of the Servicer. See "The Sponsor" in the Prospectus. The Servicer is
EquiVantage Inc. See "The Servicer" in the Prospectus. On August 1, 1997, the
Servicer terminated the sub-servicing arrangement it had maintained with
Transworld since its inception and assumed the direct servicing of the
mortgage loans in the Sponsor's Portfolio, including the Mortgage Loans. In
order to effectuate this transition, the Servicer now (i) employs
substantially the same personnel who were charged with responsibility for the
Sponsor's Portfolio as employees of Transworld, (ii) utilizes substantially
the same types of servicing software that were used by Transworld and (iii)
has implemented substantially similar operational procedures as used by
Transworld in connection with sub-servicing the Sponsor's Portfolio.
Accordingly, the Servicer effectively has become the successor to
Transworld's servicing operation with respect to the Sponsor's Portfolio. As
of October 31, 1997, the Sponsor's Portfolio consisted of 9,689 mortgage
loans representing an aggregate outstanding principal balance of
approximately $597.3 million.
Pursuant to the Pooling and Servicing Agreement, the Servicer may enter
into sub-servicing agreements with qualified Sub-Servicers with respect to
the servicing of all or any portion of the Mortgage Loans and with affiliates
of the Servicer that are qualified to service mortgage loans and are
qualified Sub-Servicers. No sub-servicing agreement will discharge the
Servicer from its servicing obligations. See "Mortgage Loan Program --
Sub-Servicing" in the Prospectus.
The Trustee and the Certificate Insurer may remove the Servicer, and the
Servicer may resign, only in accordance with the terms of the Pooling and
Servicing Agreement. No removal or resignation shall become effective until
the Trustee or a successor servicer shall have assumed the Servicer's
responsibilities and obligations in accordance therewith.
S-46
<PAGE>
The Servicer may not assign its obligations under the Pooling and
Servicing Agreement, in whole or in part, unless it shall have first obtained
the written consent of the Trustee and the Certificate Insurer, which consent
is required not to be unreasonably withheld; provided, however, that any
assignee must meet the eligibility requirements for a successor servicer set
forth in the Pooling and Servicing Agreement.
The Certificate Insurer (or with the consent of the Certificate Insurer,
the majority of Owners of Class A Certificates) may, pursuant to the Pooling
and Servicing Agreement, remove the Servicer upon the occurrence of, without
limitation, any of the events described in clauses (i) through (xi) below and
may remove the Servicer upon the occurrence and continuation beyond the
applicable cure period of an event described in clause (ii), (iii), (iv) or
(vi) below:
(i) The Servicer shall (a) apply for or consent to the appointment of
a receiver, trustee, liquidator or custodian or similar entity with
respect to itself or its property, (b) admit in writing its inability to
pay its debts generally as they become due, (c) make a general assignment
for the benefit of creditors, (d) be adjudicated a bankrupt or insolvent,
(e) commence a voluntary case under the federal bankruptcy laws of the
United States of America or file a voluntary petition or answer seeking
reorganization, an arrangement with creditors or an order for relief or
seeking to take advantage of any insolvency law or file an answer
admitting the material allegations of a petition filed against it in any
bankruptcy, reorganization or insolvency proceeding or (f) cause
corporate action to be taken by it for the purpose of effecting any of
the foregoing; or
(ii) If without the application, approval or consent of the Servicer,
a proceeding shall be instituted in any court of competent jurisdiction,
under any law relating to bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization or
relief of debtors, seeking in respect of the Servicer an order for relief
or an adjudication in bankruptcy, reorganization, dissolution, winding
up, liquidation, a composition or arrangement with creditors, a
readjustment of debts, the appointment of a trustee, receiver,
conservator, liquidator or custodian or similar entity with respect to
the Servicer or of all or any substantial part of its assets, or other
like relief in respect thereof under any bankruptcy or insolvency law,
and, if such proceeding is being contested by the Servicer in good faith,
the same shall (a) result in the entry of an order for relief or any such
adjudication or appointment or (b) continue undismissed or pending and
unstayed for any period of thirty (30) consecutive days; or
(iii) The Servicer shall fail to perform any one or more of its
obligations under the Pooling and Servicing Agreement (other than its
obligations referenced in clauses (vi) and (vii) below) and shall
continue in default thereof for a period of thirty (30) days after the
earlier to occur of (x) the date on which an individual authorized to act
for the Servicer in connection with the Pooling and Servicing Agreement
(an "Authorized Officer") knows or reasonably should know of such failure
or (y) receipt by the Servicer of a written notice from the Trustee, any
Owner, the Sponsor or the Certificate Insurer of said failure; or
(iv) The Servicer shall fail to cure any breach of any of its
representations and warranties set forth in the Pooling and Servicing
Agreement which materially and adversely affects the interests of the
Owners or Certificate Insurer for a period of thirty (30) days after the
earlier of (x) the date on which an Authorized Officer knows or
reasonably should know of such breach or (y) receipt by the Servicer of a
written notice from the Trustee, any Owner, the Sponsor or the
Certificate Insurer of such breach; or
(v) If the Certificate Insurer pays out any money under the
Certificate Insurance Policy, or if the Certificate Insurer otherwise
funds any shortfall with its own money, because the amounts available to
the Trustee (other than from the Certificate Insurer) are insufficient to
make required distributions on the Class A Certificates; or
(vi) The failure by the Servicer to make any required Servicing
Advance for a period of thirty (30) days following the earlier of (x) the
date on which an Authorized Officer knows or reasonably should know of
such failure or (y) receipt by the Servicer of a written notice from the
Trustee, any Owner, the Sponsor or the Certificate Insurer of such
failure; or
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(vii) The failure by the Servicer (x) to make any required
advance (each, a "Delinquency Advance"), with respect to any delinquent
Mortgage Loan and Remittance Period, of interest due, but not collected,
with respect to such Mortgage Loan during such Remittance Period, (y) to
pay any Compensating Interest or to pay over any Monthly Remittance
Amount or (z) other amounts required to be remitted by the Servicer
pursuant to the Pooling and Servicing Agreement; or
(viii) The delinquency or loss experience of the Mortgage Loan Groups
exceeds certain levels specified in the Pooling and Servicing Agreement;
or
(ix) The Certificate Insurer determines that the performance of the
Servicer (or any Sub-Servicer) is not in compliance with the Servicer's
or Sub-Servicer's general servicing standards for similar mortgage loans
and the Servicer's or Sub-Servicer's servicing and collection guidelines,
which non-compliance is reasonably likely to have a material adverse
effect on the servicing of the Mortgage Loans; or
(x) Certain events of merger or consolidation occur, which events
fail to meet certain conditions required by the Certificate Insurer; or
(xi) The Servicer fails to meet the net worth requirement specified
in the Pooling and Servicing Agreement.
The Certificate Insurer may allow a reasonable extended cure period upon
the Servicer's prompt and diligent pursuit of a cure of the default described
in clause (iii) above or of the breach described in clause (iv) above.
Upon removal or resignation of the Servicer, the Trustee will be required
to appoint a successor Servicer approved by the Certificate Insurer. If such
successor Servicer is unable or not qualified to so serve, the Trustee may
solicit bids for a successor Servicer and, pending the appointment of a
successor Servicer as a result of soliciting such bids, will be required to
serve as Servicer. If the Trustee is unable to obtain a qualifying bid and is
prevented by law from acting as Servicer, the Trustee will be required to
appoint, or petition a court of competent jurisdiction to appoint, an
eligible successor. Any successor is required to be a housing and home
finance institution, bank or mortgage servicing institution which is
acceptable to the Certificate Insurer and is experienced in servicing loans
of a type similar to the Mortgage Loans and has shareholders' equity of not
less than the amount specified in the Pooling and Servicing Agreement and
which is acceptable to the Certificate Insurer and shall assume all or any
part of the responsibilities, duties or liabilities of the Servicer. The
successor Servicer may, at its option, and shall, if so directed by the
Certificate Insurer, terminate any Sub-Servicer.
THE ORIGINATORS
Except in the case of approximately 10% by aggregate principal balance of
Mortgage Loans acquired in Bulk Acquisitions, the Sponsor or EquiVantage Inc.
will have originated the Mortgage Loans or acquired the Mortgage Loans from
Originators, including various retail mortgage lenders. Mortgage loans that
are not acquired in Bulk Acquisitions will have been originated or purchased
by the Sponsor or EquiVantage Inc. on a flow basis from retail correspondents
and brokers. Correspondents and brokers are subjected to an approval process,
including but not limited to verification that appropriate local, state and
federal requirements for licensing are obtained and maintained. They are
required to execute a correspondent agreement prior to closing any loans,
which agreement contains certain representations and warranties related to
the origination of the loans. Appraisers and closing agents must meet
specified standards, including verification that certification and licensing
requirements are obtained and maintained. To maintain uniformity, loans
(other than loans acquired in Bulk Acquisitions) generally are closed
utilizing the Sponsor's loan closing documents, and most closings are
coordinated by its central loan closing department. In the case of certain
correspondents with whom the Sponsor has an established relationship, the
Sponsor may permit such correspondents to coordinate closings using documents
provided by a third party but approved by the Sponsor prior to funding the
loan. See "Mortgage Loan Program" in the Prospectus.
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DESCRIPTION OF THE CERTIFICATES
General
The Certificates will consist of the Class A-1 Certificates, Class A-2
Certificates, Class A-3 Certificates, Class A-4 Certificates, Class A-5
Certificates and the Subordinate Certificates. The Certificates will be issued
by EquiVantage Home Equity Loan Trust 1997-4, a trust to be organized under the
laws of the State of New York. The Subordinate Certificates will be retained by
the Sponsor or affiliates thereof, and are not being offered hereby.
The Certificates will not represent an interest in or obligation of, nor
are the Mortgage Loans guaranteed by, the Sponsor or the Servicer, nor will they
be insured or guaranteed by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (the
"FDIC") or any other governmental agency or instrumentality.
Persons in whose name a Certificate is registered in the Register
maintained by the Trustee are the "Owners" of the Certificates. For so long as
the Class A Certificates are in book-entry form with DTC, the only "Owner" of
the Class A Certificates as the term "Owner" is used in the Pooling and
Servicing Agreement will be Cede. No person acquiring a beneficial interest in
a Class A Certificate (a "Beneficial Owner") will be entitled to receive a
definitive certificate representing such person's interest in the Trust, except
in the event that Definitive Certificates are issued under the limited
circumstances set forth in the Pooling and Servicing Agreement. All references
herein to the Owners of Class A Certificates shall mean and include the rights
of Beneficial Owners, as such rights may be exercised through DTC and its
participating organizations, except as otherwise specified in the Pooling and
Servicing Agreement. See "Description of the Securities - Form of Securities"
in the Prospectus.
Each class of Class A Certificates will evidence the right to receive on
each Payment Date the Class A Distribution Amount for such class of Class A
Certificates, in each case until the related Class A Certificate Principal
Balance has been reduced to zero. The Subordinate Certificate Owners will be
entitled to receive distributions of residual Net Monthly Excess Spread.
Payment Dates and Distributions
On each Payment Date, the Trustee will be required to distribute to the
Owners of Record of the Class A Certificates as of the related Record Date such
Owner's Percentage Interest in the amounts required to be distributed to the
Owners of the Class A Certificates on such Payment Date. For so long as any
Class A Certificate is in book-entry form with DTC, Cede will be the only
"Owner" of such Class A Certificate. See "- Book Entry Registration of the
Class A Certificates" herein. The "Percentage Interest" of each Class A
Certificate as of any date of determination will be equal to the percentage
obtained by dividing the principal balance of such Class A Certificate as of the
Cut-off Date by the Class A Certificate Principal Balance as of the Cut-off
Date.
The Pooling and Servicing Agreement will require that the Trustee create
and maintain a Distribution Account. See "Description of the Securities -
Payments on Mortgage Loans; Deposits to Distribution Account" in the Prospectus.
On each Remittance Date, the Servicer is required to withdraw from the
Principal and Interest Account and remit to the Trustee, for deposit in the
Distribution Account, the Monthly Remittance Amount. The "Monthly Remittance
Amount" is the sum of the amounts representing scheduled interest, unscheduled
collections of principal (e.g., prepayments) received during the related
Remittance Period and scheduled collections of principal due and collected
during the related Remittance Period, plus any related loan purchase prices
relating to the Sponsor's or any Originator's required purchase of Mortgage
Loans from the Trust, Substitution Amounts, Delinquency Advances and
Compensating Interest, less the sum of certain amounts the Servicer is permitted
to withdraw from the Principal and Interest Account, as described under
"Description of the Securities - Withdrawals from the Principal and Interest
Account" in the Prospectus.
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Book Entry Registration of the Class A Certificates
The Class A Certificates will be book-entry certificates (the "Book-Entry
Certificates"). The Beneficial Owners may elect to hold their Class A
Certificates through DTC in the United States, or Cedel or Euroclear (in Europe)
if they are participants of such systems ("Participants"), or indirectly through
organizations that are Participants in such systems. The Book-Entry
Certificates will be issued in one or more certificates per class of Class A
Certificates, which in the aggregate equal the principal balance of such class
of Class A Certificates and will initially be registered in the name of Cede,
the nominee of DTC. Cedel and Euroclear will hold omnibus positions on behalf
of their Participants through customers' securities accounts in Cedel's and
Euroclear's names on the books of their respective depositaries, which in turn
will hold such positions in customers' securities accounts in the depositaries'
names on the books of DTC. Citibank will act as depositary for Cedel and Morgan
will act as depositary for Euroclear (in such capacities, individually, the
"Relevant Depositary" and, collectively, the "European Depositaries").
Investors may hold such beneficial interests in the Book-Entry Certificates in
minimum denominations representing principal amounts of $1,000. Except as
described below, no Beneficial Owner will be entitled to receive a physical
certificate representing such Certificate (a "Definitive Certificate"). Unless
and until Definitive Certificates are issued, it is anticipated that the only
"Owner" of such Class A Certificates will be Cede, as nominee of DTC.
Beneficial Owners will not be Owners as that term is used in the Pooling and
Servicing Agreement. Beneficial Owners are only permitted to exercise their
rights indirectly through Participants and DTC.
The Beneficial Owner's ownership of a Book-Entry Certificate will be
recorded on the records of the brokerage firm, bank, thrift institution or other
financial intermediary (each, a "Financial Intermediary") that maintains the
Beneficial Owner's account for such purpose. In turn, the Financial
Intermediary's Ownership of such Book-Entry Certificate will be recorded on the
records of DTC (or of a participating firm that acts as agent for the Financial
Intermediary, whose interest will in turn be recorded on the records of DTC, if
the Beneficial Owner's Financial Intermediary is not a DTC Participant and on
the records of Cedel or Euroclear, as appropriate).
Beneficial Owners will receive all distributions of principal of, and
interest on, the Class A Certificates from the Trustee through DTC and DTC
Participants. While such Class A Certificates are outstanding (except under the
circumstances described below), under the rules, regulations and procedures
creating and affecting DTC and its operations (the "Rules"), DTC is required to
make book-entry transfers among Participants on whose behalf it acts with
respect to such Class A Certificates and is required to receive and transmit
distributions of principal of, and interest on, such Class A Certificates.
Participants and indirect participants with whom Beneficial Owners have accounts
with respect to Class A Certificates are similarly required to make book-entry
transfers and receive and transmit such distributions on behalf of their
respective Beneficial Owners. Accordingly, although Beneficial Owners will not
possess certificates, the Rules provide a mechanism by which Beneficial Owners
will receive distributions and will be able to transfer their interest.
Beneficial Owners will not receive or be entitled to receive certificates
representing their respective interests in the Class A Certificates, except
under the limited circumstances described below. Unless and until Definitive
Certificates are issued, Beneficial Owners who are not Participants may transfer
ownership of Class A Certificates only through Participants and indirect
participants by instructing such Participants and indirect participants to
transfer such Class A Certificates, by book-entry transfer, through DTC for the
account of the purchasers of such Class A Certificates, which account is
maintained with their respective Participants. Under the Rules and in
accordance with DTC's normal procedures, transfers of ownership of such Class A
Certificates will be executed through DTC and the accounts of the respective
Participants at DTC will be debited and credited. Similarly, the Participants
and indirect participants will make debits or credits, as the case may be, on
their records on behalf of the selling and purchasing Beneficial Owners.
Because of time zone differences, credits of securities received in Cedel
or Euroclear as a result of a transaction with a Participant will be made during
subsequent securities settlement processing and dated the business day following
the DTC settlement date. Such credits or any transactions in such securities
settled during such processing will be reported to the relevant Euroclear or
Cedel Participants on such business day. Cash received in Cedel or Euroclear as
a result of sales of securities by or through a Cedel Participant or Euroclear
Participant to a DTC Participant will be received with value on the DTC
settlement date but will be available in the relevant Cedel or Euroclear cash
account only as of the business day following settlements in DTC. For
information with respect to tax documentation procedures
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relating to the Certificates, see "Material Federal Income Tax Consequences -
Foreign Investors" and "- Backup Withholding" in the Prospectus and "Global
Clearance, Settlement and Tax Documentation Procedures - Certain U.S. Federal
Income Tax Documentation Requirements" in Annex I to this Prospectus Supplement.
Transfers between Participants will occur in accordance with DTC rules.
Transfers between Cedel Participants and Euroclear Participants will occur in
accordance with their respective rules and operating procedures.
Cross-market transfers between persons holding directly or indirectly
through DTC, on the one hand, and directly or indirectly through Cedel
Participants or Euroclear Participants, on the other, will be effected in DTC in
accordance with DTC rules on behalf of the relevant European international
clearing system by the Relevant Depositary; however, such cross-market
transactions will require delivery of instructions to the relevant European
international clearing system by the counterparty in such system in accordance
with its rules and procedures and within its established deadlines (European
time). The relevant European international clearing system will, if the
transaction meets its settlement requirements, deliver instructions to the
Relevant Depositary to take action to effect final settlement on its behalf by
delivering or receiving securities in DTC, and making or receiving payment in
accordance with normal procedures for same day funds settlement applicable to
DTC. Cedel Participants and Euroclear Participants may not deliver instructions
directly to the European Depositaries.
DTC, which is a New York-chartered limited purpose trust company, performs
services for its Participants ("DTC Participants"), some of which (and/or their
representatives) own DTC. In accordance with its normal procedures, DTC is
expected to record the positions held by each DTC Participant in the Book-Entry
Certificates, whether held for its own account or as a nominee for another
person. In general, beneficial ownership of Book-Entry Certificates will be
subject to the rules, regulations and procedures governing DTC and DTC
Participants as in effect from time to time.
Cedel is incorporated under the laws of Luxembourg as a professional
depository. Cedel holds securities for its participant organizations ("Cedel
Participants") and facilitates the clearance and settlement of securities
transactions between Cedel Participants through electronic book-entry changes in
accounts of Cedel Participants, thereby eliminating the need for physical
movement of certificates. Transactions may be settled in Cedel in any of 28
currencies, including United States dollars. Cedel provides to its Cedel
Participants, among other things, services for safekeeping, administration,
clearance and settlement of internationally traded securities and securities
lending and borrowing. Cedel interfaces with domestic markets in several
countries. As a professional depository, Cedel is subject to regulation by the
Luxembourg Monetary Institute. Cedel Participants are recognized financial
institutions around the world, including underwriters, securities brokers and
dealers, banks, trust companies, clearing corporations and certain other
organizations. Indirect access to Cedel is also available to others, such as
banks, brokers, dealers and trust companies that clear through or maintain a
custodial relationship with a Cedel Participant, either directly or indirectly.
Euroclear was created in 1968 to hold securities for participants of
Euroclear ("Euroclear Participants") and to clear and settle transactions
between Euroclear Participants through simultaneous electronic book-entry
delivery against payment, thereby eliminating the need for physical movement of
certificates and any risk from lack of simultaneous transfers of securities and
cash. Transactions may now be settled in any of 27 currencies, including United
States dollars. Euroclear includes various other services, including securities
lending and borrowing and interfaces with domestic markets in several countries
generally similar to the arrangements for cross-market transfers with DTC
described above. Euroclear is operated by the Brussels, Belgium office of
Morgan Guaranty Trust Company of New York (the "Euroclear Operator"), under
contract with Euroclear Clearance Systems S.C., a Belgian cooperative
corporation (the "Cooperative"). All operations are conducted by the Euroclear
Operator, and all Euroclear Securities clearance accounts and Euroclear cash
accounts are accounts with the Euroclear operator, not the Cooperative. The
Cooperative establishes policy for Euroclear on behalf of Euroclear
Participants. Euroclear Participants include banks (including central banks),
securities brokers and dealers and other professional financial intermediaries.
Indirect access to Euroclear is also available to other firms that clear through
or maintain a custodial relationship with a Euroclear Participant, either
directly or indirectly.
The Euroclear Operator is the Belgian branch of a New York banking
corporation which is a member bank of the Federal Reserve System. As such, it
is regulated and examined by the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve
System and the New York State Banking Department, as well as the Belgian Banking
Commission.
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Securities clearance accounts and cash accounts with the Euroclear operator
are governed by the Terms and Conditions Governing Use of Euroclear and the
related Operating Procedures of the Euroclear System and applicable Belgian law
(collectively, the "Terms and Conditions"). The Terms and Conditions govern
transfers of securities and cash within Euroclear, withdrawals of securities and
cash from Euroclear, and receipts of payments with respect to securities in
Euroclear. All securities in Euroclear are held on a fungible basis without
attribution of specific certificates to specific securities clearance accounts.
The Euroclear Operator acts under the Terms and Conditions only on behalf of
Euroclear Participants, and has no record of or relationship with persons
holding through Euroclear Participants.
Distributions on the Book-Entry Certificates will be made on each Payment
Date by the Trustee to DTC. DTC will be responsible for crediting the amount of
such payments to the accounts of the applicable DTC Participants in accordance
with DTC's normal procedures. Each DTC Participant will be responsible for
disbursing such payment to the Beneficial Owners of the Book-Entry Certificates
that it represents and to each Financial Intermediary for which it acts as
agent. Each such Financial Intermediary will be responsible for disbursing
funds to the Beneficial Owners of the Book-Entry Certificates that it
represents.
Under a book-entry format, Beneficial Owners of the Book-Entry Certificates
may experience some delay in their receipt of payments, since such payments will
be forwarded by the Trustee to Cede. Distributions with respect to Class A
Certificates held through Cedel or Euroclear will be credited to the cash
accounts of Cedel Participants or Euroclear Participants in accordance with the
relevant system's rules and procedures, to the extent received by the Relevant
Depositary. Such distributions will be subject to tax reporting in accordance
with relevant United States tax laws and regulations. Because DTC can only act
on behalf of Financial Intermediaries, the ability of a Beneficial Owner to
pledge Book-Entry Certificates, to persons or entities that do not participate
in the Depository system, or otherwise take actions in respect of such
Book-Entry Certificates, may be limited due to the lack of physical certificates
for such Book-Entry Certificates. In addition, issuance of the Book-Entry
Certificates in book-entry form may reduce the liquidity of such Certificates in
the secondary market since certain potential investors may be unwilling to
purchase Certificates for which they cannot obtain physical certificates.
Monthly and annual reports on the Trust provided by the Servicer to Cede,
as nominee of DTC, may be made available to Beneficial Owners upon request, in
accordance with the rules, regulations and procedures creating and affecting the
Depository, and to the Financial Intermediaries to whose DTC accounts the
Book-Entry Certificates of such Beneficial Owners are credited.
DTC has advised the Trustee that, unless and until Definitive Certificates
are issued, DTC will take any action permitted to be taken by the holders of the
Book-Entry Certificates under the Pooling and Servicing Agreement only at the
direction of one or more Financial Intermediaries to whose DTC accounts the
Book-Entry Certificates are credited, to the extent that such actions are taken
on behalf of Financial Intermediaries whose holdings include such Book-Entry
Certificates. Cedel or the Euroclear Operator, as the case may be, will take
any action permitted to be taken by an Owner under the Pooling and Servicing
Agreement on behalf of a Cedel Participant or Euroclear Participant only in
accordance with its relevant rules and procedures and subject to the ability of
the Relevant Depositary to effect such actions on its behalf through DTC. DTC
may take actions, at the direction of the related Participants, with respect to
some Class A Certificates which conflict with actions taken with respect to
other Class A Certificates.
Definitive Certificates will be issued to Beneficial Owners of the
Book-Entry Certificates, or their nominees, rather than to DTC, only if (a) DTC
or the Depositor advises the Trustee in writing that DTC is no longer willing,
qualified or able to discharge properly its responsibilities as a nominee and
depository with respect to the Book-Entry Certificates and the Depositor or the
Trustee is unable to locate a qualified successor, (b) the Depositor, at its
sole option, elects to terminate a book-entry system through DTC or (c) DTC, at
the direction of the Beneficial Owners representing a majority of the
outstanding Percentage Interests of the Class A Certificates, advises the
Trustee in writing that the continuation of a book-entry system through DTC (or
a successor thereto) is no longer in the best interests of Beneficial Owners.
Upon the occurrence of any of the events described in the immediately
preceding paragraph, the Trustee will be required to notify all Beneficial
Owners of the occurrence of such event and the availability through DTC of
Definitive Certificates. Upon surrender by DTC of the global certificate or
certificates representing the Book-Entry
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Certificates and instructions for re-registration, the Trustee will issue
Definitive Certificates, and thereafter the Trustee will recognize the holders
of such Definitive Certificates as Owners under the Pooling and Servicing
Agreement.
Although DTC, Cedel and Euroclear have agreed to the foregoing procedures
in order to facilitate transfers of Certificates among Participants of DTC,
Cedel and Euroclear, they are under no obligation to perform or continue to
perform such procedures and such procedures may be discontinued at any time.
Distributions
Distributions on the Certificates are required to be made on each Payment
Date, commencing on January 26, 1998, to the Owners on the related Record Date
in an amount equal to the product of such Owner's Percentage Interest and the
amount distributed in respect of such class of such Certificates on such Payment
Date. See "Description of the Securities - Distributions" in the Prospectus.
Subordination of Class B Certificates
The Class B Certificates will be subordinated to the Class A Certificates.
Such subordination is intended to enhance the likelihood that the Owners of the
Class A Certificates will receive full and timely receipt of all amounts due to
them.
The Pooling and Servicing Agreement will require that the excess of the
aggregate Loan Balances of the Mortgage Loans in a Mortgage Loan Group as of the
last day of a particular Remittance Period over the Class A Certificate
Principal Balance of the Class A Certificates issued in respect of the related
Mortgage Loan Group (after application of the Class A Required Distribution for
such Class A Certificates on the then related Payment Date) be maintained at a
certain amount (which amount may vary over time) over the life of the
transaction, which amount is specified by the Certificate Insurer. The actual
amount of this excess with respect to a Mortgage Loan Group is the "Subordinated
Amount" for such Mortgage Loan Group, and the specified target amount of the
excess at a point in time with respect to a Mortgage Loan Group is the
"Specified Subordinated Amount" for such Mortgage Loan Group. The Certificate
Insurer may permit the reduction of the Specified Subordinated Amount for a
Mortgage Loan Group without the consent of, or the giving of notice to, the
Owners of the Class A Certificates; provided, that the Certificate Insurer is
not then in default; and provided, further, that such reduction would not change
materially the weighted average life of the related Class A Certificates or the
current rating thereof.
The Pooling and Servicing Agreement will generally provide that, subject to
the priorities described below under "- Cross-collateralization Provisions," the
Owners of the Class B Certificates will receive distributions of principal on
each Payment Date equal to the Subordination Reduction Amount. "Subordination
Reduction Amount" means, with respect to any Payment Date and with respect to a
Mortgage Loan Group, an amount equal to the lesser of (x) the excess of (i) the
actual Subordinated Amount for such Mortgage Loan Group over (ii) the Specified
Subordinated Amount for such Mortgage Loan Group, in each case for such Payment
Date and (y) the amount described in either clause (a) or clause (b)(i) of the
definition of "Class A Principal Distribution Amount," whichever is applicable,
for such Payment Date. Thus, the Owners of the Class B Certificates will
receive principal distributions to the extent that there is a level of
subordination greater than that required by the Certificate Insurer for a
Mortgage Loan Group, as will be the case when amortization of the Class A
Certificates Principal Balance is accelerated by application of Net Monthly
Excess Spread (described below), or when the Specified Subordinated Amount for a
Mortgage Loan Group decreases or "steps down" in accordance with its terms.
Consequently, unless there exists on any particular Payment Date such an excess
level of subordination, the Owners of the related Class A Certificates will be
entitled to receive 100% of the principal of a Mortgage Loan Group to be
distributed on such Payment Date. To the extent a Subordination Reduction
Amount is payable to the Owners of the Class B Certificates, such payment will
have the effect of decelerating the amortization of the related Class A
Certificates relative to the amortization of the Mortgage Loans in such Mortgage
Loan Group.
The Subordinate Certificates will also be entitled to receive the Net
Monthly Excess Spread available on any Payment Date. "Net Monthly Excess
Spread" means, with respect to a Mortgage Loan Group, the difference between
Total Monthly Excess Spread for such Mortgage Loan Group and any portion thereof
used to cover an Available Funds Shortfall with respect to such Mortgage Loan
Group, or with respect to the other Mortgage Loan Group, or to pay to
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the Certificate Insurer any Reimbursement Amounts. "Total Monthly Excess
Spread" means, with respect to the related Mortgage Loan Group, the difference
between (x) the interest that is collected on the Mortgage Loans in such
Mortgage Loan Group during a Remittance Period (net of the Servicing Fee, the
Trustee Fee and the Certificate Insurer's premium, in each case for the related
Mortgage Loan Group) plus any Delinquency Advances and Compensating Interest
relating to such Mortgage Loan Group and (y) the interest that accrues on the
related Class A Certificates during the related Accrual Period.
On each Payment Date, the Total Monthly Excess Spread will be used, to the
extent available, to fund any shortfalls in amounts due to the Owners of the
Class A Certificates and Reimbursement Amounts due to the Certificate Insurer on
such Payment Date. See "Cross-collateralization Provisions" below. In
addition, after application to any such shortfalls and Reimbursement Amounts,
until the Subordinated Amount reaches the Specified Subordinated Amount, or to
the extent that the Specified Subordinated Amount for a Mortgage Loan Group
increases or "steps up" due to the effect of the triggers set forth in the
Pooling and Servicing Agreement or if, due to Realized Losses, the Subordinated
Amount for a Mortgage Loan Group has been reduced below the Specified
Subordinated Amount for such Mortgage Loan Group, the Pooling and Servicing
Agreement requires that Net Monthly Excess Spread be used to make payments of
principal to the Owners of the related Class A Certificates for the purposes of
accelerating the amortization of the related Class A Certificates relative to
the amortization of the Mortgage Loans in such Mortgage Loan Group. Such
accelerated payments of principal will be applied to the "Subordination Increase
Amount," which will equal, as of any Payment Date and with respect to a Mortgage
Loan Group, the excess of (x) the Specified Subordinated Amount for such
Mortgage Loan Group over (y) the actual Subordinated Amount for such Mortgage
Loan Group.
Cross-collateralization Provisions
On each Payment Date, an amount equal to the sum of (x) the Total Monthly
Excess Spread with respect to each Mortgage Loan Group plus (y) any
Subordination Reduction Amount with respect to such Mortgage Loan Group (such
amount being the "Total Monthly Excess Cashflow" with respect to such Mortgage
Loan Group and Payment Date) with respect to each Mortgage Loan Group will be
required to be applied in the following order of priority:
(i) such amount shall be used to fund any shortfall on such Payment Date
with respect to the related Mortgage Loan Group and equal to the
difference, if any, between (x) the Class A Required Distribution
Amount for the Class A Certificates issued in respect of the related
Mortgage Loan Group for such Payment Date and (y) the Available
Funds with respect to such Mortgage Loan Group for such Payment Date
(the amount of such difference being equal to an "Available Funds
Shortfall" with respect to the related Mortgage Loan Group);
(ii) any portion of the Total Monthly Excess Cashflow with respect to
such Mortgage Loan Group remaining after the application described
in clause (i) above shall be used to fund any Available Funds
Shortfall with respect to the other Mortgage Loan Group;
(iii) any portion of the Total Monthly Excess Cashflow with respect to
such Mortgage Loan Group remaining after the applications
described in clauses (i) and (ii) above shall be paid to the
Certificate Insurer in respect of amounts owed on account of any
Insured Payments theretofore made with respect to the related
Mortgage Loan Group and other payments made by the Certificate
Insurer pursuant to the Certificate Insurance Policy and not
previously repaid (any such amount so owed to the Certificat
Insurer and not theretofore paid, together with accrued interest
thereon, the "Reimbursement Amount" with respect to the related
Mortgage Loan Group); and
(iv) any portion of the Total Monthly Excess Cashflow with respect to
such Mortgage Loan Group remaining after the applications described
in clauses (i), (ii) and (iii) above shall be paid to the
Certificate Insurer in respect of any Reimbursement Amount with
respect to the other Mortgage Loan Group.
The amount, if any, of the Total Monthly Excess Cashflow with respect to a
Mortgage Loan Group on a Payment Date remaining after such applications is the
"Net Monthly Excess Cashflow" with respect to such Mortgage Loan Group for such
Payment Date; such amount is required to be applied in the following order of
priority on such Payment Date:
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(i) such amount shall be used to fund the payment of any required
Subordination Increase Amount with respect to the related Mortgage
Loan Group as a portion of the distribution of the Class A Principal
Distribution Amount on such Payment Date; and
(ii) any portion of the Net Monthly Excess Cashflow remaining after the
application described in clause (i) immediately above shall be used to
make any required Subordination Increase Amount with respect to the
other Mortgage Loan Group.
The Pooling and Servicing Agreement will define the "Class A Principal
Distribution Amount" with respect to each Payment Date for the Classes of Class
A Certificates issued in respect of a Mortgage Loan Group as being the sum,
without duplication, of:
(A) the portion of any Subordination Deficit due from any prior
period with respect to the related Mortgage Loan Group, together
with accrued interest thereon;
(B) the principal actually collected by the Servicer with respect to
the Mortgage Loans in the related Mortgage Loan Group during the
related Remittance Period;
(C) the Loan Balance of each Mortgage Loan in the related Mortgage
Loan Group that either was repurchased by the Sponsor or an
Originator or purchased by the Servicer or any Sub-Servicer on
the related Remittance Date, to the extent such Loan Balance is
actually received by the Trustee;
(D) any Substitution Amounts delivered by the Sponsor or an
Originator on the related Remittance Date in connection with a
substitution of a Mortgage Loan in the related Mortgage Loan
Group, to the extent such Substitution Amounts are actually
received by the Trustee;
(E) all Net Liquidation Proceeds actually collected by the Servicer
with respect to the Mortgage Loans in the related Mortgage Loan
Group during the related Remittance Period (to the extent such
Net Liquidation Proceeds relate to principal);
(F) the portion of any Subordination Deficit with respect to such
Mortgage Loan Group for such Payment Date;
(G) the proceeds received by the Trustee from any termination of the
related Mortgage Loan Group (to the extent such proceeds relate
to principal);
(H) the portion of any Subordination Increase Amount with respect to
such Mortgage Loan Group for such Payment Date to the extent of
any Net Monthly Excess Cashflow available for such purpose, after
giving effect to the cross-collateralization provisions described
above;
minus
the portion of any related Subordination Reduction Amount to be applied for
such Payment Date.
The "Loan Balance" is the outstanding principal balance of each Mortgage
Loan on the Cut-off Date (but not including any amounts in respect of accrued
interest thereon, even if the terms of the Mortgage Loan permit such amounts to
be added to the principal balance thereof), less any principal collections or
recoveries relating to such Mortgage Loan included in previous related Monthly
Remittance Amounts. "Net Liquidation Proceeds" means, with respect to a
Liquidated Mortgage Loan, any amounts (including the proceeds of any insurance
policy other than the Certificate Insurance Policy) recovered by the Servicer or
any Sub-Servicer with respect to such Liquidated Mortgage Loan, whether through
Trustee's sale, foreclosure sale or otherwise, net of liquidation expenses
incurred by the Servicer,
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unreimbursed Delinquency Advances and certain other related and unreimbursed
Servicer advances. The "Remittance Date" is any date, as set forth in the
Pooling and Servicing Agreement, on which the Servicer is required to remit
moneys on deposit in the "Principal and Interest Account" to the Trustee. A
"Liquidated Mortgage Loan" is, in general, a defaulted Mortgage Loan as to which
the Servicer has determined that all amounts that it expects to recover on such
Mortgage Loan have been recovered (exclusive of any possibility of a deficiency
judgment), the Loan Balance of which shall be zero following such determination.
The "Substitution Amount" is the difference between the Loan Balance of a (x)
replaced Mortgage Loan as of the close of business on the first day of the
calendar month in which such Mortgage Loan is replaced and (y) the Loan Balance
of the replacement Mortgage Loan, as of the date the Trust acquired it, plus
accrued and unpaid interest on such amount.
Overcollateralization and the Certificate Insurance Policy
The Pooling and Servicing Agreement will define a "Subordination Deficit"
with respect to a Mortgage Loan Group and a Payment Date to be the amount, if
any, by which (x) the Class A Certificate Principal Balance of the Class A
Certificates issued in respect of the related Mortgage Loan Group as of such
Payment Date, and following the making of all distributions to be made on such
Payment Date (except for any payment to be made as to principal from proceeds of
the Certificate Insurance Policy), exceeds (y) the aggregate Loan Balances of
the Mortgage Loans in the related Mortgage Loan Group as of the close of
business on the last day of the preceding Remittance Period; provided, that with
respect to the Final Scheduled Payment Date for the Class A-5 Certificates, the
Subordination Deficit shall include, in addition to amounts calculated as
described above with respect to the Class A-5 Certificates and the Adjustable
Rate Group, any additional amounts representing the aggregate outstanding
Certificate Principal Balance of the Class A-5 Certificates plus accrued
interest thereon (but not including any Available Funds Cap Carry-Forward
Amount), if the Servicer has not purchased all of the outstanding Mortgage Loans
as of such Payment Date in accordance with the Pooling and Servicing Agreement.
The Pooling and Servicing Agreement requires the Trustee to make a claim for an
Insured Payment under the Certificate Insurance Policy not later than the third
Business Day prior to any Payment Date as to which the Trustee has determined
that a Subordination Deficit will occur for the purpose of applying the proceeds
of such Insured Payment as a payment of principal to the Owners of the related
Class A Certificates on such Payment Date. Thus, neither the Certificate
Insurance Policy nor the subordination provisions described above will guarantee
current payment of the amounts of any Realized Losses to the Owners of the
related Class A Certificates. Investors in the Class A Certificates should
realize that, under extreme loss or delinquency scenarios applicable to the
related Mortgage Loan Group, they may temporarily receive no distributions of
principal.
Credit Enhancement Does Not Apply to Prepayment Risk
In general, the protection afforded by the subordination provisions and by
the Certificate Insurance Policy is protection for credit risk and not for
prepayment risk. The subordination provisions may not be adjusted, nor may a
claim be made under the Certificate Insurance Policy to guarantee or insure that
any particular rate of prepayment is experienced by the Trust.
Class A Distributions and Insured Payments to the Owners of the Class A
Certificates
No later than the third Business Day prior to each Payment Date the Trustee
will be required to determine the amount for each Mortgage Loan Group to be on
deposit in the Distribution Account on such Payment Date (including amounts
available with respect to such Mortgage Loan Group as a result of the
cross-collateralization described above) (less the Servicing Fee for such
Mortgage Loan Group, such amount being the "Available Funds"), but net of the
Trustee Fee and the Certificate Insurer's premium (and without regard to the
amount of any Insured Payment), in each case for the related Mortgage Loan
Group. If the amount of the Insured Distribution Amount for a Mortgage Loan
Group for any Payment Date exceeds the related Available Funds for such Payment
Date, net of the Trustee Fee and the Certificate Insurer's premium, the Trustee
will be required to draw the amount of such insufficiency from the Certificate
Insurer under the Certificate Insurance Policy. The Trustee will be required to
deposit to the Distribution Account the amount of any Insured Payment made by
the Certificate Insurer. The Pooling and Servicing Agreement provides that
amounts which cannot be distributed to the Owners of the Certificates as a
result of proceedings under the United States Bankruptcy Code or similar
insolvency laws will not be considered in determining the amount of Available
Funds with respect to any Payment Date.
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Flow of Funds
On each Payment Date, the Trustee shall distribute for each Mortgage Loan
Group, to the extent of the Available Funds on deposit in the Distribution
Account for such Mortgage Loan Group and the amount of any Insured Payment for
such Mortgage Loan Group for such Payment Date as follows:
(a) to the Certificate Insurer, the premium amount then due;
(b) to the Trustee, an amount equal to the Trustee Fee then due;
(c) from the remaining Available Funds then on deposit for such Mortgage
Loan Group in the Distribution Account, to the Certificate Insurer the
lesser of (x) the excess of (i) the amount then on deposit in the
Distribution Account for such Mortgage Loan Group over (ii) the
Insured Distribution Amount for such Mortgage Loan Group for such
Payment Date and (y) the Reimbursement Amount, if any, for such
Mortgage Loan Group as of such Payment Date;
(d) from remaining Available Funds then on deposit in the Distribution
Account for the related Mortgage Loan Group, together with the amount
of any related Insured Payment, concurrently to the Owners of the
Class A-1 Certificates, the Class A-2 Certificates, the Class A-3
Certificates, the Class A-4 Certificates and the Class A-5
Certificates, respectively, the Class A Interest Distribution Amount
for each such class of Class A Certificates;
(e) from remaining Available Funds then on deposit in the Distribution
Account for the Fixed Rate Group, together with the amount of any
related Insured Payment, in respect of the Class A Principal
Distribution Amount, first, to the Owners of the Class A-4
Certificates, in reduction of the Class A-4 Certificate Principal
Balance, an amount equal to the Class A-4 Lockout Distribution, if
any; and second, to the Owners of the Class A-1 Certificates, in
reduction of the Class A-1 Certificate Principal Balance, until such
Class A-1 Certificate Principal Balance is reduced to zero, then to
the Owners of the Class A-2 Certificates, in reduction of the Class
A-2 Certificate Principal Balance, until such Class A-2 Certificate
Principal Balance is reduced to zero, then to the Owners of the Class
A-3 Certificates, in reduction of the Class A-3 Certificate Principal
Balance, until such Class A-3 Certificate Principal Balance is reduced
to zero, then to the Owners of the Class A-4 Certificates, in
reduction of the Class A-4 Certificate Principal Balance, until such
Class A-4 Certificate Principal Balance is reduced to zero;
(f) from remaining amounts then on deposit in the Distribution Account for
the Adjustable Rate Group, together with the amount of any related
Insured Payment, in respect of the Class A Principal Distribution
Amount, to the Owners of the Class A-5 Certificates, in reduction of
the Class A-5 Certificate Principal Balance, until such Class A-5
Certificate Principal Balance is reduced to zero;
(g) from remaining amounts then on deposit in the Distribution Account for
the Adjustable Rate Group, to the Owners of the Class A-5
Certificates, an amount equal to the Available Funds Cap Carry-Forward
Amount for such Distribution Date;
(h) from remaining amounts then on deposit in the Distribution Account, to
the Servicer and/or the Trustee, reimbursement for certain permitted
reimbursable amounts; and
(i) following the making by the Trustee of all allocations, transfers and
disbursements described above, from amounts then on deposit in the
Distribution Account, the Trustee shall distribute to the Subordinate
Certificate Owners, the amount remaining on such Payment Date, if any.
Notwithstanding the foregoing, on any Payment Date on or after which a
Certificate Insurer Default has occurred, any amounts of principal (including
any Class A-4 Lockout Distribution) that would otherwise be distributed
sequentially to the Owners of the Class A-1 Certificates, Class A-2
Certificates, Class A-3 Certificate and Class A-4 Certificates shall instead be
distributed concurrently to the Owners of such Certificates, pro rata, until the
Certificate
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Principal Balance of each such class has been reduced to zero. A "Certificate
Insurer Default" means the occurrence and continuation of a failure by the
Certificate Insurer to make any Insured Payment under the terms of the
Certificate Insurance Policy or certain events of insolvency or bankruptcy with
respect to the Certificate Insurer.
The "Class A-4 Lockout Distribution" on each Payment Date means an amount
equal to the lesser of (i) the product of the applicable Class A-4 Lockout
Percentage and the Class A-4 Pro Rata Distribution Amount for such Payment Date
and (ii) the Class A Principal Distribution Amount in respect of the Fixed Rate
Group for such Payment Date.
"LIBOR" shall mean the London interbank offered rate for one-month United
States dollar deposits. LIBOR for each Accrual Period shall be determined on
the second business day preceding the first day of any Accrual Period (each, a
"LIBOR Determination Date"), on the basis of the offered rates of the Reference
Banks for one-month United States dollar deposits, as such rates appear on the
Reuters Screen LIBOR Page, as of 11:00 a.m. (London time) on such LIBOR
Determination Date. As used in this paragraph, "business day" means a day on
which banks are open for dealing in foreign currency and exchange in London and
New York City; "Reuters Screen LIBOR Page" means the display designated as page
"LIBOR" on the Reuters Monitor Money Rates Service (or such other page as may
replace the LIBOR page on that service for the purpose of displaying London
interbank offered rates of major banks); and "Reference Banks" means leading
banks selected by the Trustee and engaged in transactions in Eurodollar deposits
in the international Eurocurrency market (i) with an established place of
business in London, (ii) whose quotations appear on the Reuters Screen LIBOR
Page on the LIBOR Determination Date in question, (iii) which have been
designated as such by the Trustee and (iv) not controlling, controlled by or
under common control with the Sponsor or any Originator.
On each LIBOR Determination Date, LIBOR will be established by the Trustee
as follows:
(a) If on such LIBOR Determination Date two or more Reference Banks
provide such offered quotations, LIBOR shall be the arithmetic mean
(rounded upwards if necessary to the nearest whole multiple of 0.0625%) of
such offered quotations.
(b) If on such LIBOR Determination Date fewer than two Reference
Banks provide such offered quotations, LIBOR shall be the greater of (x)
LIBOR as determined on the previous LIBOR Determination Date and (y) the
Reserve Interest Rate. The "Reserve Interest Rate" shall be the rate per
annum that the Trustee determines to be either (i) the arithmetic mean
(rounded upwards if necessary to the nearest whole multiple of 0.0625%) of
the one-month U.S. dollar lending rates that New York City banks selected
by the Trustee are quoting on the relevant LIBOR Determination Date to the
principal London offices of leading banks in the London interbank market
or, in the event that the Trustee can determine no such arithmetic mean,
(ii) the lowest one-month U.S. dollar lending rate which New York City
banks selected by the Trustee are quoting on such LIBOR Determination Date
to leading European banks.
The establishment of LIBOR on each LIBOR Determination Date by the Trustee
and the Trustee's calculation of the rate of interest applicable to the Class
A-1 Certificates and the Class A-5 Certificates for the related Accrual Period
shall (in the absence of manifest error) be final and binding. Each such rate
of interest may be obtained by telephoning the Trustee at (410) 884-2000.
Certain Activities
The Trust has not and will not: (i) issue securities (except for the
Certificates); (ii) borrow money; (iii) make loans; (iv) invest in securities
for the purpose of exercising control; (v) underwrite securities; (vi) except as
provided in the Pooling and Servicing Agreement, engage in the purchase and sale
(or turnover) of investments; (vii) offer securities in exchange for property
(except Certificates for the Mortgage Loans); or (viii) repurchase or otherwise
reacquire its securities. See "Description of the Securities - Reports To The
Securityholders" in the Prospectus for information regarding reports to the
Owners.
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THE CERTIFICATE INSURANCE POLICY
On the Closing Date, the Certificate Insurance Policy will be issued by the
Certificate Insurer pursuant to the provisions of the Insurance Agreement, dated
as of the Cut-off Date, among the Sponsor, the Servicer and the Certificate
Insurer.
The Certificate Insurance Policy unconditionally guarantees the timely
payment of interest due (but not any amounts in respect of Available Funds Cap
Carry-Forward Amounts) and the ultimate payment of principal on the Class A
Certificates. The Certificate Insurer is required to make Insured Payments to
the Trustee as paying agent on the later of the Payment Date or on the business
day next following the day on which the Certificate Insurer shall have received
telephonic or telegraphic notice, subsequently confirmed in writing, or written
notice by registered or certified mail, from the Trustee that an Insured Payment
is due.
The Pooling and Servicing Agreement will provide that the "Available Funds"
does not include Insured Payments and does not include any amounts that cannot
be distributed to the Owners of any Class A Certificates by the Trustee as a
result of final, non-appealable proceedings under the United States Bankruptcy
Code.
In addition, the Certificate Insurance Policy will provide for payment of
the amount (a "Preference Amount") of any distributions in respect of principal
or interest previously paid to an Owner of a Class A Certificate that are
subsequently recovered from such Owner prior to the expiration date of the
Certificate Insurance Policy pursuant to a final, nonappealable order (a "Final
Order") of a court of competent jurisdiction under the United States Bankruptcy
Code. Any such payments would be made under the Certificate Insurance Policy on
the second business day following receipt by the Certificate Insurer of a
certified copy of such Final Order, assignment to the Certificate Insurer of
such Owner's rights and claims with respect to such Preference Amount and
appointment of the Certificate Insurer as such Owner's agent in respect of such
Preference Amount. No such Owner shall be entitled to reimbursement for any
payment avoided as a preference as to which the Certificate Insurer previously
has made a payment under the Certificate Insurance Policy, nor is the
Certificate Insurer obligated to make any payment in respect of any Preference
Amount which represents a payment of the principal amount of the Class A
Certificates prior to the time the Certificate Insurer otherwise would have been
required to make a payment in respect of such principal.
Pursuant to the terms of the Pooling and Servicing Agreement, the
Certificate Insurer, or the majority of Owners of the Class A Certificates with
the consent of the Certificate Insurer, may direct the time, method and place of
conducting any proceeding for any remedy available to the Trustee with respect
to the Certificates or exercising any trust or power conferred on the Trustee
with respect to the Certificates or the Trust Estate.
The Certificate Insurer's obligation under the Certificate Insurance Policy
will be discharged to the extent that funds are received by the Trustee for
distribution to the Owners of Class A Certificates, whether or not such funds
are properly distributed by the Trustee. For purposes of the Certificate
Insurance Policy, the term "Owner" does not include the Trust, the Servicer or
the Sponsor. The Certificate Insurance Policy does not guarantee any specific
rate of prepayments of principal of the Mortgage Loans. The Certificate
Insurance Policy does not guarantee payment of any Available Funds Cap
Carry-Forward Amount (or any interest thereon). The Certificate Insurance
Policy is non-cancelable. The Certificate Insurance Policy expires and
terminates without any action on the part of the Certificate Insurer or any
other person on the date that is one year and one day following the date on
which the Class A Certificates have been paid in full.
THE CERTIFICATE INSURANCE POLICY IS NOT COVERED BY THE PROPERTY/CASUALTY
INSURANCE SECURITY FUND SPECIFIED IN ARTICLE 76 OF THE NEW YORK INSURANCE LAW.
Pursuant to the Pooling and Servicing Agreement, the Certificate Insurer is
subrogated to the rights of the Owners of the Class A Certificates to the extent
of any such payment under the Certificate Insurance Policy.
A copy of the Certificate Insurance Policy is available upon request to the
Trustee at its principal corporate trust office located at Sixth Street and
Marquette Avenue, Minneapolis, Minnesota 55479-0070, Attention: Corporate Trust
Services. The telephone number for the Trustee's principal corporate trust
office is (612) 667-1234.
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THE CERTIFICATE INSURER
General
Financial Guaranty Insurance Company, the "Certificate Insurer," a New York
stock insurance corporation, is a monoline financial guaranty insurance company
which, since January 1984, has been a leading insurer of bonds issued by
municipal governmental subdivisions and agencies thereof. The Certificate
Insurer also insures a variety of non-municipal structured debt obligations and
pass-through securities. The Certificate Insurer is authorized to write
insurance in all 50 states and the District of Columbia and is also authorized
to carry on general insurance business in the United Kingdom and to write credit
and guaranty insurance in France.
The Certificate Insurer is a wholly owned subsidiary of FGIC Corporation, a
Delaware holding company. FGIC Corporation is a subsidiary of General Electric
Capital Corporation ("GE Capital"). Neither FGIC Corporation nor GE Capital is
obligated to pay the debts of or the claims of the Certificate Insurer.
The Certificate Insurer and its holding company, FGIC Corporation, are
subject to regulation by the State of New York Insurance Department and by each
jurisdiction in which the Certificate Insurer is licensed to write insurance.
These regulations vary from jurisdiction to jurisdiction, but generally require
insurance holding companies and their insurance subsidiaries to register and
file certain reports, including information concerning their capital structure,
ownership and financial condition and require prior approval by the insurance
department of their state of domicile of changes in control, of dividends and
other intercorporate transfers of assets and of transactions between insurance
companies, their parents and affiliates. The Certificate Insurer is required to
file quarterly and annual statutory financial statements and is subject to
statutory restrictions concerning the types and quality of investments, the use
of policy forms, premium rates and the size of risk that it may insure, subject
to reinsurance. Additionally, the Certificate Insurer is subject to triennial
audits by the State of New York Insurance Department.
The Certificate Insurer considers its role in providing insurance to be
credit enhancement rather than credit substitution. The Certificate Insurer
only insures securities that it considers to be of investment grade quality.
With respect to each category of obligations considered for insurance, the
Certificate Insurer has established and maintains its own underwriting standards
that are based on those aspects of credit quality that the Certificate Insurer
deems important for the category and that take into account criteria established
for the category typically used by rating agencies. Credit criteria for
evaluating securities include economic and social trends, debt management,
financial management and legal and administrative factors, the adequacy of
anticipated cash flow, including the historical and expected performance of
assets pledged for payment of securities under varying economic scenarios,
underlying levels of protection such as insurance or overcollateralization, and,
particularly in the case of long-term municipal securities, the importance of
the project being financed.
The Certificate Insurer also reviews the security features and reserves
created by the financing documentation, as well as the financial and other
covenants imposed upon the credit backing the issue. In connection with
underwriting new issues, the Certificate Insurer sometimes requires, as a
condition to insuring an issue, that collateral be pledged or, in some
instances, that a third-party guarantee be provided for a term of the insured
obligation by a party of acceptable credit quality obligated to make payment
prior to any payment by the Certificate Insurer.
Insurance written by the Certificate Insurer insures the full and timely
payment of interest and principal when due on insured debt securities and timely
interest and ultimate principal payments due in respect of pass-through
securities such as the Class A Certificates. If the issuer of a security
insured by the Certificate Insurer defaults on its obligations to pay such debt
service or, in the case of a pass-through security, available funds are
insufficient to pay the insured amounts, the Certificate Insurer will make
scheduled insured payments, without regard to any acceleration of the securities
which may have occurred, and will be subrogated to the rights of security
holders to the extent of its payments. The claims paying ability of the
Certificate Insurer is rated "Aaa," "AAA" and "AAA" by Moody's, S&P and Fitch
Investors Service, Inc. ("Fitch"), respectively.
In consideration for issuing its insurance, the Certificate Insurer
receives a premium which is generally paid in full upon issuance of the policy
or on an annual, semi-annual or monthly basis. The premium rates charged depend
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principally on the credit strength of the securities as judged by the
Certificate Insurer according to its internal credit rating system and the type
of issue.
As of September 30, 1997, December 31, 1996 and December 31, 1995, the
Certificate Insurer had written directly or assumed through reinsurance,
guaranties of approximately $221.6 billion, $205.0 billion and $180.0 billion
par value of securities, respectively (of which approximately 85 percent, 82
percent and 88 percent constituted guaranties of municipal bonds), for which it
had collected gross premiums of approximately $2.12 billion, $2.05 billion and
$1.95 billion, respectively. As of September 30, 1997, the Certificate Insurer
had reinsured approximately 22 percent of the risks it had written, 27 percent
through quota share reinsurance, 26 percent through excess of loss reinsurance
and 47 percent through facultative arrangements.
Capitalization
The following table sets forth capitalization of the Certificate Insurer as
of December 31, 1995, December 31, 1996 and September 30, 1997, respectively, on
the basis of generally accepted accounting principles but, with respect to the
September 30, 1977 information, subject to year-end adjustment. No material
adverse change in the capitalization of the Certificate Insurer has occurred
since September 30, 1997.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
(Unaudited)
December 31, 1995 December 31, 1996 September 30, 1997
(in millions) (in millions) (in millions)
---------- ---------- ------------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Unearned Premiums $ 728 $ 682 $ 646
Other Liabilities 304 288 274
Stockholder's Equity
Common Stock 15 15 15
Additional Paid-in Capital 334 334 84
Unrealized gains 64 39 64
Foreign currency translation adjustment (2) (1) -
Retained Earnings 1,137 1,297 1,425
---------- ---------- ------------
Total Stockholder's Equity 1,548 1,684 1,888
---------- ---------- ------------
Total Liabilities and Stockholder's Equity $ 2,580 $2,654 $ 2,808
---------- ---------- ------------
---------- ---------- ------------
</TABLE>
For further financial information concerning the Certificate Insurer, see
the audited and unaudited financial statements of the Certificate Insurer
included as Appendix A and Appendix B, respectively, of this Prospectus
Supplement.
Copies of the Certificate Insurer's quarterly and annual statutory
statements filed by the Certificate Insurer with the State of New York Insurance
Department are available upon request to Financial Guaranty Insurance Company,
115 Broadway, New York, New York 10006, Attention: Corporate Communications
Department. The Certificate Insurer's telephone number is (212) 312-3000.
The Certificate Insurer does not accept any responsibility for the accuracy
or completeness of this Prospectus Supplement or the Prospectus or any
information or disclosure contained herein, or omitted herefrom, other than with
respect to the accuracy of information in this Prospectus Supplement regarding
the Certificate Insurer and the Certificate Insurance Policy set forth under the
headings "The Certificate Insurance Policy" and "The Certificate Insurer" and in
Appendix A and Appendix B of this Prospectus Supplement.
An indemnification agreement between the Certificate Insurer and the
Underwriters and an insurance agreement among the Certificate Insurer, the
Sponsor and EquiVantage Inc. each will provide that the parties to such
agreements will indemnify each other for certain liabilities under the 1933 Act.
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THE POOLING AND SERVICING AGREEMENT
In addition to the provisions of the Pooling and Servicing Agreement
summarized elsewhere in this Prospectus Supplement and the Prospectus, there
is set forth below a summary of certain other provisions of the Pooling and
Servicing Agreement.
Formation of the Trust
On the Closing Date, the Trust will be created and established pursuant
to the Pooling and Servicing Agreement. On such date, the Sponsor will sell
without recourse the Mortgage Loans to the Trust and the Trust will issue the
Class A Certificates to the Owners thereof.
The property of the Trust shall include all money, instruments and other
property to the extent such money, instruments and other property are subject
or intended to be held in trust for the benefit of the Owners, and all
proceeds thereof, including, without limitation, (i) the Mortgage Loans, (ii)
such amounts, including eligible investments as specified in the Pooling and
Servicing Agreement, as from time to time may be held by the Trustee in the
Distribution Account and by the Servicer in the Principal and Interest
Account (except as otherwise provided in the Pooling and Servicing
Agreement), each to be created pursuant to the Pooling and Servicing
Agreement, (iii) any Mortgaged Property, the ownership of which has been
effected on behalf of the Trust as a result of foreclosure or acceptance by
the Servicer of a deed in lieu of foreclosure and that has not been withdrawn
from the Trust, (iv) any insurance policies relating to the Mortgage Loans
and any rights of the Sponsor under any related insurance policies, (v) Net
Liquidation Proceeds with respect to any Liquidated Loan, (vi) rights under
the Certificate Insurance Policy and (vii) the Sponsor's rights under the
Master Transfer Agreements as described below (collectively, the "Trust
Estate").
Sale of Mortgage Loans
EquiVantage will sell the Mortgage Loans to the Sponsor on or prior to
the Closing Date pursuant to one or more Master Mortgage Loan Transfer
Agreements, together with the related Conveyance Agreement, between
EquiVantage and the Sponsor (collectively, the "Master Transfer Agreements").
In the Master Transfer Agreements EquiVantage will make certain
representations and warranties. The Sponsor will assign its rights to
enforce such representations and warranties to the Trustee as part of the
Trust Estate.
Pursuant to the Pooling and Servicing Agreement, on the Closing Date the
Sponsor will sell without recourse to the Trustee in trust all right, title
and interest of the Sponsor in each Mortgage Loan listed on the schedule
delivered to the Trustee on the Closing Date (the "Schedule of Mortgage
Loans") and all its right, title and interest in all principal collected and
all interest due on each such Mortgage Loan on or after the Cut-off Date.
The Sponsor will reserve and retain all its right, title and interest in
principal collected (including Prepayments) and interest due on each Mortgage
Loan prior to the Cut-off Date.
In connection with the sale of the Mortgage Loans on the Closing Date,
the Sponsor will be required to deliver to the Trustee, as document
custodian, a file (a "Mortgage Loan File") consisting of (i) the original
Notes, endorsed by the Originator thereof to the order of the Trustee, (ii)
originals or certified copies of all intervening assignments, if any, showing
a complete chain of assignment from origination to the Originator, including
warehousing assignments, with evidence of recording (or transmission for
recordation) thereon, (iii) originals of all assumption and modification
agreements if any, (iv) any of: (a) the original Mortgage, with evidence of
recording thereon, (b) a true and accurate copy of the Mortgage where the
original Mortgage has been transmitted for recording, until such time as the
original Mortgage is returned by the public recording office or (c) a copy of
the Mortgage certified by the public recording office in those instances
where the original recorded Mortgage has been lost, (v) the original Mortgage
Insurance Policy, title commitment, binder or attorney's opinion of title and
abstract of title, and (vi) an assignment in blank, in recordable form, of
each Mortgage for which an assignment is not recorded, executed by the record
holder of such Mortgage. The Pooling and Servicing Agreement also provides
that the Certificate Insurer will require assignments of mortgages prepared
and recorded in the name of the Trustee (unless the Trustee and the
Certificate Insurer receive an acceptable opinion of counsel, or other
documentation acceptable to the Trustee or the Certificate Insurer,
concluding that such
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recordation is not necessary to protect the Trustee's interests in the
related Mortgage Loans), and that evidence of the recording thereof be
included in the related Mortgage Loan File upon receipt thereof.
Governing Law
The Pooling and Servicing Agreement and each Certificate will be
construed in accordance with and governed by the laws of the State of New
York applicable to agreements made and to be performed therein.
Termination of the Trust
The Pooling and Servicing Agreement will provide that the Trust will
terminate upon the earlier of (i) the payment to the Owners of all
Certificates from amounts other than those available under the Certificate
Insurance Policy of all amounts required to be paid such Owners upon the
later to occur of (a) the final payment or other liquidation (or any advance
made with respect thereto) of the last Mortgage Loan or (b) the disposition
of all property acquired in respect of any Mortgage Loan remaining in the
Trust Estate, or (ii) any time when a Qualified Liquidation of the Trust
Estate is effected.
Optional Termination
By the Residual Certificate Owners and the Servicer. At their option,
the Residual Certificate Owners and the Servicer acting directly or through
one or more affiliates each have the right and may determine to purchase from
the Trust all of the Mortgage Loans and other property then held by the
Trust, and thereby effect early retirement of the Certificates, on and after
the Clean-Up Call Date. The right of the Residual Certificate Owners so to
exercise such optional purchase right is superior to such right of the
Servicer. The Servicer may exercise its right if the Residual Certificate
Owners decline to do so. In addition, the Pooling and Servicing Agreement
provides that the Servicer has the option to purchase from the Trust certain
Mortgage Loans that are delinquent, in whole or in part, as to four
consecutive monthly payments or with respect to which enforcement proceedings
have commenced.
Upon Loss of REMIC Status. Following a final determination by the
Internal Revenue Service, or by a court of competent jurisdiction, in each
case from which no appeal is taken within the permitted time for such appeal,
or if any appeal is taken, following a final determination of such appeal
from which no further appeal can be taken to the effect that certain assets
of the Trust specified to be a REMIC do not and will no longer qualify as a
"REMIC" pursuant to Section 860D of the Code (the "Final Determination"), at
any time on or after the date which is 30 calendar days following such Final
Determination, (i) the Owners of a majority in Percentage Interest
represented by the Class A Certificates then outstanding may direct the
Trustee to adopt a plan of complete liquidation with respect to the Trust and
(ii) the Certificate Insurer may notify the Trustee of the Certificate
Insurer's determination to purchase from the Trust all Mortgage Loans and
other property acquired by foreclosure, deed in lieu of foreclosure, or
otherwise in respect of any Mortgage Loan then remaining in the Trust, and
thereby effect the early retirement of the Certificates. Upon receipt of
such notice or direction, the Trustee will be required to notify the Residual
Certificate Owners of the determination of the Certificate Insurer or the
Owners of the Class A Certificates to liquidate (the "Termination Notice").
The Owners of a majority of the Percentage Interest represented by the
Residual Certificates then outstanding may, within 60 days from the date of
receipt of the Termination Notice (the "Purchase Option Period"), at their
option, purchase from the Trust all Mortgage Loans and all property
theretofore acquired by foreclosure, deed in lieu of foreclosure, or
otherwise in respect of any Mortgage Loan then remaining in the Trust as of
the date of such purchase plus one month's interest on such amount at the
weighted average of the Class A Pass-Through Rates.
If, during the Purchase Option Period, the Residual Certificate Owners
have not exercised the option described above, then upon the expiration of
the Purchase Option Period the Certificate Insurer will be obligated so to
purchase the Trust Estate within 60 days after the expiration of the Purchase
Option Period or the Trustee will sell the Mortgage Loans and distribute the
proceeds of the liquidation thereof.
Following a Final Determination, the Owners of a majority of the
Percentage Interest represented by the Residual Certificates then outstanding
may, at their option (and upon delivery to the Owners of the Class A
Certificates of an opinion of counsel experienced in U.S. federal income tax
matters selected by the Residual Certificate Owners,
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<PAGE>
which opinion will be required to be reasonably satisfactory in form and
substance to a majority of the Percentage Interests represented by the Class
A Certificates then outstanding, to the effect that the effect of the Final
Determination is to substantially increase the probability that the gross
income of the Trust will be subject to federal taxation), purchase from the
Trust all Mortgage Loans and all property theretofore acquired by
foreclosure, deed in lieu of foreclosure, or otherwise in respect of any
Mortgage Loan then remaining in the Trust Estate at a purchase price equal to
the Class A Certificate Principal Balances as of the date of such purchase
plus interest accrued on the Class A Certificates since the prior Payment
Date at the weighted average of the Class A Pass-Through Rates. The Pooling
and Servicing Agreement provides that the foregoing opinion shall be deemed
satisfactory unless a majority of the Percentage Interest of the Class A
Certificates give the Residual Certificate Owners notice that such opinion is
not satisfactory within thirty (30) days after receipt of such opinion.
MATERIAL FEDERAL INCOME TAX CONSEQUENCES
The following discussion of certain of the material anticipated federal
income tax consequences of the purchase, ownership and disposition of the
Class A Certificates is to be considered only in connection with "Material
Federal Income Tax Consequences" in the Prospectus. The discussion herein
and in the Prospectus is based upon laws, regulations, rulings and decisions
now in effect, all of which are subject to change. The discussion below and
in the Prospectus does not purport to deal with all federal tax consequences
applicable to all categories of investors, some of which may be subject to
special rules. Investors should consult their own tax advisors in determining
the federal, state, local and any other tax consequences to them of the
purchase, ownership and disposition of the Class A Certificates.
REMIC Elections
The Trustee will cause one or more REMIC elections to be made with
respect to the Trust for federal income tax purposes. Qualification as a
REMIC requires ongoing compliance with certain conditions. Andrews & Kurth
L.L.P., tax counsel, will advise that, in its opinion, for federal income tax
purposes, assuming (i) the REMIC elections are made and (ii) compliance with
the Pooling and Servicing Agreement, each class of Class A Certificates
(except to the extent described below with respect to the Class A-5
Certificates) will be treated as a "regular interest" in a REMIC. For
federal income tax purposes, regular interests in a REMIC are treated as debt
instruments issued by the REMIC on the date on which those interests are
created, and not as ownership interests in the REMIC or its assets. Owners
of Class A Certificates that otherwise report income under a cash method of
accounting will be required to report income with respect to such Class A
Certificates under an accrual method. The Class A Certificates may be issued
with "original issue discount" for federal income tax purposes. It is
possible that the Internal Revenue Service could treat a portion of the
additional interest that would become payable on the Class A-3 Certificates,
Class A-4 Certificates and Class A-5 Certificates after the Step-Up Payment
Date as "original issue discount." The prepayment assumption to be used in
determining whether the Class A Certificates are issued with original issue
discount and the rate of accrual of original issue discount is 24% HEP with
respect to the Class A-1 Certificates, Class A-2 Certificates, Class A-3
Certificates and Class A-4 Certificates and 25% CPR with respect to the Class
A-5 Certificates, as described under "Prepayment and Yield Considerations"
herein. No representation is made that any of the Mortgage Loans will prepay
at this rate or any other rate. Because the interval between the Closing
Date and the first Payment Date on the Class A-2 Certificates, the Class A-3
Certificates and the Class A-4 Certificates is longer than the interval
between subsequent Payment Dates (and interest paid on the first Payment Date
is less than would have been earned if the stated interest rate were applied
to outstanding principal during each day in such interval), the stated
interest distributions on such Certificates technically do not constitute
qualified stated interest. The original issue discount regulations provide
that in such case a special rule, applying solely for the purpose of
determining whether original issue discount is de minimis, provides that the
interest shortfall for the long first period (i.e., the interest that would
have been earned if interest had been paid on the first Payment Date for each
day the applicable Certificate was outstanding) is treated as original issue
discount assuming the stated interest would otherwise be qualified stated
interest. Also in such case the stated redemption price at maturity is
treated as equal to the issue price plus the greater of the amount of
foregone interest or the excess, if any, of the Certificate's initial
principal balance over its issue price. The original issue discount
regulations indicate that all interest on a long first period Certificate
that is issued with non-de minimis original issue discount will be included
in the Certificate's stated redemption price at maturity. Beneficial Owners
should consult their own tax advisors to determine the issue price and the
stated redemption price at maturity of a Certificate. See "Material Federal
Income Tax Consequences -- Discount and Premium -- Original Issue Discount" in
the Prospectus.
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<PAGE>
Class A-5 Certificates
The Class A-5 Certificates, except to the extent of any Available Funds
Cap Carry-Forward Amounts, will be treated as regular interests in a REMIC
under section 860G of the Code (the "Class A-5 Regular Interests").
Accordingly, the portion representing the Class A-5 Regular Interests will be
treated as (i) assets described in section 7701(a)(19)(C) of the Code, and
(ii) "real estate assets" within the meaning of section 856(c)(5) of the
Code, in each case to the extent described in the Prospectus. Interest on
such portion of the Class A-5 Certificates will be treated as interest on
obligations secured by mortgages on real property within the meaning of
section 856(c)(3)(B) of the Code to the same extent that such portion of the
Class A-5 Certificates is treated as real estate assets. See "Material
Federal Income Tax Consequences " in the Prospectus.
Each Owner of a Class A-5 Certificate is deemed to own an undivided
beneficial ownership interest in two assets (i) the Class A-5 Regular
Interests and (ii) an interest rate cap contract (a "Cap Agreement"). The
Cap Agreement with respect to the Class A-5 Certificates is not included in
any REMIC related to the Series 1997-4 REMIC. The treatment of amounts
received by an Owner of Class A-5 Certificates under such Owner's right to
receive Available Funds Cap Carry-Forward Amounts will depend on the portion
of such Owner's purchase price allocable thereto. Under the REMIC
regulations, each Owner of Class A-5 Certificates must allocate its purchase
price for the Class A-5 Certificates between its undivided interest in the
Class A-5 Regular Interests and its undivided interest in the Cap Agreement
in accordance with the relative fair market values of each property right.
Payments made to the Class A-5 Certificates under the Cap Agreement will be
included in income based on the regulations relating to notional principal
contracts (the "Notional Principal Contract Regulations"). The original
issue discount regulations (as described in the Prospectus), which
technically do not apply to REMIC regular interests, provide that the
issuer's allocations of the issue price are binding on all holders unless the
holder explicitly discloses on its tax return that its allocation is
different from the issuer's allocation. Under the REMIC regulations, the
Trustee is required to account for the Class A-5 Regular Interests and the
Cap Agreement as discrete property rights. Ownership of the Cap Agreement
will entitle the owner to amortize the separate price paid for the related
Cap Agreement under the Notional Principal Contract Regulations. The
Internal Revenue Service issued regulations applicable to debt instruments
acquired after August 13, 1996 that provide for the integration of a
qualifying debt instrument with a hedge if the combined cash flows of the
components are substantially equivalent to the cash flows on a variable rate
debt instrument. These regulations expressly exclude REMIC regular
instruments from their application.
Non-U.S. Holders
Final regulations dealing with withholding tax on income paid to foreign
persons and related matters (the "New Withholding Regulations") were issued
by the Treasury Department on October 6, 1997. The New Withholding
Regulations will generally be effective for payments made after December 31,
1998, subject to certain transition rules. Prospective Beneficial Owners of
Certificates who are Non-U.S. Persons are strongly urged to consult their own
tax advisors with respect to the New Withholding Regulations.
ERISA CONSIDERATIONS
The Employment Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, as amended
("ERISA"), and the Code impose certain restrictions on (a) employee benefit
plans (as defined in Section 3(3) of ERISA), plans described in section
4975(e)(1) of the Code, including individual retirement accounts or Keogh
plans, and any entities whose underlying assets include plan assets by reason
of a plan's investment in such entities (each a "Plan") and (b) persons who
have certain specified relationships to such Plans ("Parties-in-Interest"
under ERISA and "Disqualified Persons" under the Code). Moreover, based on
the reasoning of the United States Supreme Court in John Hancock Life Ins.
Co. v. Harris Trust and Sav. Bank, 114 S. Ct. 517 (1993), an insurance
company's general account may be deemed to include assets of the Plans
investing in the general account (e.g., through the purchase of an annuity
contract). ERISA also imposes certain duties on persons who are fiduciaries
of Plans subject to ERISA and prohibits certain transactions between a Plan
and Parties-in-Interest or Disqualified Persons with respect to such Plans.
See "ERISA Considerations" in the Prospectus.
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<PAGE>
The Department of Labor has issued to each of Prudential Securities
Incorporated and First Union Capital Markets Corp. an individual prohibited
transaction exemption, Prohibited Transaction Exemption 90-32 and Prohibited
Transaction Exemption 96-22, respectively (together, the "Exemptions"), which
generally exempt from the application of the prohibited transaction
provisions of Section 406(a), Section 406(b)(1), Section 406(b)(2) and
Section 407(a) of ERISA and the excise taxes imposed pursuant to Sections
4975(a) and (b) of the Code, the initial purchase, the servicing, management,
operation and holding and the subsequent resale by Plans of certificates in
pass-through trusts that consist of certain receivables, loans and other
obligations that meet the conditions and requirements of the Exemptions. The
loans covered by the Exemptions include mortgage loans such as the Mortgage
Loans.
Among the conditions that must be satisfied for the Exemptions to apply
are the following:
(1) the acquisition of the certificates by a Plan is on terms
(including the price for the certificates) that are at least as favorable
to the 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 one of the three highest generic
rating categories from S&P, Moody's, Duff & Phelps Credit Rating Co.
("D&P") or Fitch;
(4) the Trustee is not an affiliate of any other member of the
Restricted Group (as defined below);
(5) the sum of all payments made to and retained by the Underwriters
in connection with the distribution of the certificates represents not more
than reasonable compensation for underwriting the certificates; the sum of
all payments made to and retained by the Originator and the Sponsor
pursuant to the assignment of the loans to the Trust Estate represents not
more than the fair market value of such loans; the sum of all payments made
to and retained by any Servicer represents not more than reasonable
compensation for such person's services under the Pooling and Servicing
Agreement and reimbursement of such person'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 Commission under the
1933 Act.
The Trust Estate must also meet the following requirements:
(i) the corpus of the Trust Estate must consist solely of assets of
the type that have been included in other investment pools;
(ii) certificates in such other investment pools must have been rated
in one of the three highest rating categories of S&P, Moody's, Fitch or D&P
for at least one year prior to the Plan's acquisition of certificates; and
(iii) certificates evidencing interests in such other investment pools
must have been purchased by investors other than Plans for at least one
year prior to the Plan's acquisition of certificates.
Moreover, the Exemptions provide relief from certain
self-dealing/conflict of interest prohibited transactions that may occur when
the Plan fiduciary causes a Plan to acquire certificates in a trust in which
the fiduciary (or its affiliate) is an obligor on the receivables held in the
trust provided that, among other requirements, (i) in the case of an
acquisition in connection with the initial issuance of certificates, at least
fifty percent of each class of certificates in which Plans have invested is
acquired by persons independent of the Restricted Group and at least fifty
percent of the aggregate interest in the trust is acquired by persons
independent of the Restricted Group; (ii) such fiduciary (or its affiliate)
is an obligor with respect to five percent or less of the fair market value
of the obligations contained in the trust; (iii) the Plan's investment in
certificates of any class does not exceed twenty-five percent of all of the
certificates of that
S-66
<PAGE>
class outstanding at the time of the acquisition; and (iv) immediately after
the acquisition, no more than twenty-five percent of the assets of the Plan
with respect to which such person is a fiduciary are invested in certificates
representing an interest in one or more trusts containing assets sold or
serviced by the same entity. The Exemptions do not apply to Plans sponsored
by the Sponsor, the Certificate Insurer, the Underwriters, the Trustee, the
Servicer, any other servicer, any obligor with respect to Mortgage Loans
included in the Trust Estate constituting more than five percent of the
aggregate unamortized principal balance of the assets in the Trust Estate, or
any affiliate of such parties (the "Restricted Group").
As of the date hereof, there is no single Mortgage Loan included in the
Trust Estate that constitutes more than five percent of the aggregate
unamortized principal balance of the assets of the Trust Estate.
Prospective Plan investors should consult with their legal advisors
concerning the impact of ERISA and the Code, the applicability of the
Exemptions, and the potential consequences in their specific circumstances
prior to making an investment in the Class A Certificates. Moreover, each
Plan fiduciary should determine whether under the general fiduciary standards
of investment procedure and diversification an investment in the Class A
Certificates is appropriate for the Plan, taking into account the overall
investment policy of the Plan and the composition of the Plan's investment
portfolio.
RATINGS
It is a condition of the issuance of the Class A Certificates that each
class of Class A Certificates be assigned a rating of "AAA" by S&P and a
rating of "Aaa" by Moody's. The ratings assigned to the Class A Certificates
will be based on the claims-paying ability of the Certificate Insurer.
Explanations of the significance of such ratings may be obtained from Moody's
Investors Service, Inc., 99 Church Street, New York, New York 10007 and
Standard & Poor's Ratings Group, a division of The McGraw-Hill Companies,
Inc., 25 Broadway, New York, New York 10004. Such ratings will be the views
only of such rating agencies. There is no assurance that any such ratings
will continue for any period of time or that such ratings will not be revised
or withdrawn. Any such revision or withdrawal of such ratings may have an
adverse effect on the market price of the Class A Certificates.
LEGAL INVESTMENT CONSIDERATIONS
The Class A Certificates will not constitute "mortgage related
securities" for purposes of SMMEA.
Institutions subject to the jurisdiction of the Office of the Comptroller
of the Currency, the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System, the
Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation, the Office of Thrift Supervision, the
National Credit Union Administration or state banking or insurance
authorities should review applicable rules, supervisory policies and
guidelines of these agencies before purchasing any of the Class A
Certificates, since the Class A Certificates may be deemed to be unsuitable
investments under one or more of these rules, policies and guidelines and
certain restrictions may apply to such investments. It should also be noted
that certain states have enacted legislation limiting to varying extents the
ability of certain entities (in particular, insurance companies) to invest in
mortgage related securities. Investors should consult with their own legal
advisors in determining whether and to what extent the Class A Certificates
constitute legal investments for such investors. See "Legal Investment
Matters" in the Prospectus.
UNDERWRITING
Subject to the terms and conditions set forth in the Underwriting
Agreement relating to the Class A Certificates, the Sponsor has agreed to
cause the Trust to sell to each of the Underwriters named below, and each of
the Underwriters has severally agreed to purchase, the percentage interest of
the Class A Certificates set forth opposite its name below:
Percentage Interest of
Underwriter Class A Certificates
Prudential Securities Incorporated..... 50%
First Union Capital Markets Corp. ..... 50%
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<PAGE>
The Underwriters are collectively committed to purchase all of the Class
A Certificates if any Class A Certificates are purchased. The Underwriters
have advised the Sponsor that they propose to offer the Class A Certificates
for sale from time to time in one or more negotiated transactions, or
otherwise, at market prices prevailing at the time of sale, at prices related
to such market prices or at negotiated prices. The Underwriters may effect
such transactions by selling the Class A Certificates to or through dealers,
and such dealers may receive compensation in the form of underwriting
discounts, concessions or commissions from the Underwriters or purchasers of
the Class A Certificates for whom they may act as agents. In connection with
the sale of the Class A Certificates, the Underwriters may be deemed to have
received compensation from the Sponsor in the form of underwriting
compensation. Any dealers that participate with the Underwriters in the
distribution of the Class A Certificates purchased by the Underwriters may be
deemed to be underwriters, and any discounts or commissions received by them
or the Underwriters and any profit on the resale of the Class A Certificates
by them or the Underwriters may be deemed to be underwriting discounts or
commissions under the 1933 Act.
The Sponsor has been advised by the Underwriters that the Underwriters
intend to make a market in the Class A Certificates, as permitted by
applicable laws and regulations. The Underwriters are not obligated,
however, to make a market in the Class A Certificates and such market-making
may be discontinued at any time at the sole discretion of the Underwriters.
Accordingly, no assurance can be given as to the liquidity of, or trading
markets for, the Class A Certificates.
In connection with the offering, the Underwriters and their respective
affiliates may engage in transactions that stabilize, maintain or otherwise
affect the market price of the Class A Certificates. Such transactions may
include stabilization transactions effected in accordance with Rule 104 of
Regulation M, pursuant to which such persons may bid for or purchase the
Class A Certificates for the purpose of stabilizing its market price. In
additional, Prudential Securities Incorporated, on behalf of the
Underwriters, may impose "penalty bids" under contractual arrangements with
the Underwriters whereby it may reclaim the selling concession with respect
to the Class A Certificates that is distributed in the offering but
subsequently purchased for the account of the Underwriters in the open
market. Any of the transactions described in this paragraph may result in
the maintenance of the price of the Class A Certificates at a level above
that which might otherwise prevail in the open market. None of the
transactions described in this paragraph is required and, if they are
undertaken, may be discontinued at any time.
The Sponsor has agreed to indemnify the Underwriters against certain
liabilities, including civil liabilities under the 1933 Act, or contribute to
payments which the Underwriters may be required to make in respect thereof.
EXPERTS
The financial statements of Financial Guaranty Insurance Company,
included in this Prospectus Supplement in Appendix A, as of December 31, 1996
and 1995 and for each of the years in the three year period ended December
31, 1996, have been included in reliance upon the report of KPMG Peat Marwick
LLP, independent certified public accountants, appearing in Appendix A, and
upon the authority of such firm as experts in accounting and auditing.
CERTAIN LEGAL MATTERS
Certain legal matters with respect to the Certificates will be passed
upon by Andrews & Kurth L.L.P., Washington, D.C. Certain legal matters with
respect to the Certificates will be passed upon for the Underwriters by Arter
& Hadden LLP, Washington, D.C. Hunton & Williams will act as counsel for the
Certificate Insurer.
S-68
<PAGE>
INDEX OF PRINCIPAL TERMS
Page
1933 Act....................................................................S-1
Accrual Period..............................................................S-9
Actuarial Loans............................................................S-38
Adjustable Rate Group.............................................ii, S-4, S-21
Authorized Officer.........................................................S-48
Available Funds......................................................S-57, S-60
Available Funds Cap.........................................................S-7
Available Funds Cap Carry-Forward Amount..............................S-8, S-16
Available Funds Shortfall..................................................S-55
Base Servicing Fee.........................................................S-15
Beneficial Owner.................................................ii, S-14, S-50
Book-Entry Certificates....................................................S-51
Business Day................................................................S-8
Cap Agreement..............................................................S-66
Cede.......................................................................S-14
Cedel......................................................................S-14
Cedel Participants.........................................................S-52
Certificate Insurance Policy...........................................ii, S-13
Certificate Insurer..............................................ii, S-14, S-61
Certificate Insurer Default................................................S-59
Certificate Principal Balance..............................................S-10
Certificates.........................................................cover, S-3
Citibank...................................................................S-14
Class A Certificate Principal Balances.....................................S-39
Class A Certificates.................................................cover, S-3
Class A Distribution Amount................................................S-11
Class A Interest Distribution Amount........................................S-9
Class A Principal Distribution Amount..........................S-10, S-54, S-56
Class A Required Distribution Amount.......................................S-11
Class A-1 Certificate Principal Balance....................................S-39
Class A-1 Certificates...............................................cover, S-3
Class A-1 Pass-Through Rate.................................................S-6
Class A-2 Certificate Principal Balance....................................S-39
Class A-2 Certificates...............................................cover, S-3
Class A-2 Pass-Through Rate.................................................S-7
Class A-3 Certificate Principal Balance....................................S-39
Class A-3 Certificates...............................................cover, S-3
Class A-3 Pass-Through Rate.................................................S-7
Class A-4 Certificate Principal Balance....................................S-39
Class A-4 Certificates...............................................cover, S-3
Class A-4 Lockout Distribution.............................................S-59
Class A-4 Lockout Percentage...............................................S-11
Class A-4 Pass-Through Rate.................................................S-7
Class A-4 Pro Rata Distribution Amount.....................................S-11
Class A-5 Certificate Principal Balance....................................S-39
Class A-5 Certificates...............................................cover, S-3
Class A-5 Formula Pass-Through Rate.........................................S-8
Class A-5 Pass-Through Rate.................................................S-7
Class A-5 Regular Interests................................................S-66
Class B Certificates........................................................S-3
Class R Certificates........................................................S-3
S-69
<PAGE>
Clean-Up Call Date.........................................................S-15
Closing Date................................................................S-3
CLTV.......................................................................S-17
Commission..................................................................S-1
Cooperative................................................................S-52
Cut-off Date................................................................S-3
D&P........................................................................S-67
Definitive Certificate.....................................................S-51
Delinquency Advance........................................................S-49
DTC....................................................................ii, S-14
DTC Participants...........................................................S-52
ERISA......................................................................S-66
Euroclear..................................................................S-14
Euroclear Operator.........................................................S-52
Euroclear Participants.....................................................S-52
European Depositaries......................................................S-51
European Depositories......................................................S-14
Exchange Act................................................................S-1
Exemptions.................................................................S-67
FDIC.......................................................................S-50
Final Determination........................................................S-64
Final Order................................................................S-60
Final Scheduled Payment Date...............................................S-39
Final Scheduled Payment Dates...............................................S-4
Financial Intermediary.....................................................S-51
Fitch......................................................................S-61
Fixed Rate Group..................................................ii, S-4, S-21
GE Capital.................................................................S-61
Incentive Program...........................................................S-6
Insured Distribution Amount................................................S-12
Insured Payment............................................................S-13
LIBOR.................................................................S-7, S-59
LIBOR Determination Date...................................................S-59
Liquidated Mortgage Loan...................................................S-57
Loan Balance...............................................................S-56
Loan-to-Value Ratio........................................................S-17
LTV........................................................................S-17
Master Transfer Agreements.................................................S-63
Monthly Remittance Amount..................................................S-50
Moody's....................................................................S-16
Morgan.....................................................................S-14
Mortgage Loan File.........................................................S-63
Mortgage Loan Group...............................................ii, S-4, S-21
Mortgage Loans............................................................cover
Mortgaged Properties.........................................................ii
Mortgages....................................................................ii
Mortgagor..................................................................S-38
Net Liquidation Procees....................................................S-56
Net Monthly Excess Cashflow................................................S-55
Net Monthly Excess Spread..................................................S-54
New Withholding Regulations................................................S-66
Notes......................................................................S-21
Notional Principal Contract Regulations....................................S-66
Original Class A-1 Certificate Principal Balance............................S-6
Original Class A-2 Certificate Principal Balance............................S-6
S-70
<PAGE>
Original Class A-3 Certificate Principal Balance............................S-6
Original Class A-4 Certificate Principal Balance............................S-6
Original Class A-5 Certificate Principal Balance............................S-6
original issue discount....................................................S-65
Originators.................................................................S-3
Owners.................................................................ii, S-50
Owners of Record............................................................S-8
Participants...............................................................S-51
Payment Date............................................................ii, S-8
Percentage Interest........................................................S-50
Plan.......................................................................S-66
Pooling and Servicing Agreement......................................cover, S-3
Preference Amount..........................................................S-60
Prepayment.................................................................S-38
Principal and Interest Account.............................................S-57
Program Loan................................................................S-6
Property Value.............................................................S-17
PUD........................................................................S-21
Purchase Option Period.....................................................S-64
Realized Loss...............................................................S-9
Reference Banks............................................................S-59
Reimbursement Amount.......................................................S-55
Relevant Depositary........................................................S-51
REMIC......................................................................S-64
REMICs.......................................................................ii
Remittance Date............................................................S-57
Remittance Period...........................................................S-9
Reserve Interest Rate......................................................S-59
Restricted Group...........................................................S-68
Reuters Screen LIBO Page...................................................S-59
Rules......................................................................S-51
S&P........................................................................S-16
Schedule of Mortgage Loans.................................................S-63
Servicer.............................................................cover, S-3
Servicing Fee..............................................................S-15
six-month LIBOR............................................................S-18
Specified Subordinated Amount..............................................S-54
Sponsor..............................................................cover, S-3
Sponsor's Portfolio........................................................S-19
Statistic Calculation Date..................................................S-4
Step-Up Payment Date........................................................S-7
Structuring Assumptions....................................................S-40
Sub-Servicer................................................................S-3
Subordinate Certificate Owners.............................................S-14
Subordinate Certificates..................................................cover
Subordinated Amount........................................................S-54
Subordination Deficit................................................S-10, S-57
Subordination Increase Amount..............................................S-55
Subordination Reduction Amount.............................................S-54
Substitution Amount........................................................S-57
Termination Notice.........................................................S-64
Terms and Conditions.......................................................S-53
Total Monthly Excess Cashflow..............................................S-55
Total Monthly Excess Spread................................................S-55
Transworld.................................................................S-19
S-71
<PAGE>
Trust.....................................................................cover
Trust Estate...............................................................S-63
Trustee.....................................................................S-3
Trustee Fee................................................................S-15
Underwriters.................................................................ii
weighted average life......................................................S-40
S-72
<PAGE>
ANNEX I
GLOBAL CLEARANCE, SETTLEMENT AND
TAX DOCUMENTATION PROCEDURES
Except in certain limited circumstances, the globally offered EquiVantage
Home Equity Loan Trust 1997-4 Class A Certificates (the "Global Securities")
will be available only in book-entry form. Investors in the Global
Securities may hold such Global Securities through any of DTC, Cedel or
Euroclear. The Global Securities will be tradeable as home market
instruments in both the European and U.S. domestic markets. Initial
settlement and all secondary trades will settle in same-day funds.
Secondary market trading between investors through Cedel and Euroclear
will be conducted in the ordinary way in accordance with the normal rules and
operating procedures of Cedel and Euroclear and in accordance with
conventional eurobond practice (i.e., seven calendar day settlement).
Secondary market trading between investors through DTC will be conducted
according to DTC's rules and procedures applicable to U.S. corporate debt
obligations.
Secondary cross-market trading between Cedel or Euroclear and DTC
Participants holding Certificates will be effected on a
delivery-against-payment basis through the respective Depositaries of Cedel
and Euroclear (in such capacity) and as DTC Participants.
Non-U.S. holders (as described below) of Global Securities will be
subject to U.S. withholding taxes unless such holders meet certain
requirements and deliver appropriate U.S. tax documents to the securities
clearing organizations or their participants.
Initial Settlement
All Global Securities will be held in book-entry form by DTC in the name
of Cede & Co. as nominee of DTC. Investors' interests in the Global
Securities will be represented through financial institutions acting on their
behalf as direct and indirect Participants in DTC. As a result, Cedel and
Euroclear will hold positions on behalf of their participants through their
Relevant Depository which in turn will hold such positions in their accounts
as DTC Participants.
Investors electing to hold their Global Securities through DTC will follow
DTC settlement practices. Investor securities custody accounts will be credited
with their holdings against payment in same-day funds on the settlement date.
Investors electing to hold their Global Securities through Cedel or
Euroclear accounts will follow the settlement procedures applicable to
conventional eurobonds, except that there will be no temporary global
security and no "lock-up" or restricted period. Global Securities will be
credited to the securities custody accounts on the settlement date against
payment in same-day funds.
Secondary Market Trading
Since the purchaser determines the place of delivery, it is important to
establish at the time of the trade where both the purchaser's and seller's
accounts are located to ensure that settlement can be made on the desired
value date.
Trading between DTC Participants. Secondary market trading between DTC
Participants will be settled using the procedures applicable to prior home
equity loan asset-backed certificates issues in same-day funds.
Trading between Cedel and/or Euroclear Participants. Secondary market
trading between Cedel Participants or Euroclear Participants will be settled
using the procedures applicable to conventional eurobonds in same-day funds.
I-1
<PAGE>
Trading between DTC, Seller and Cedel or Euroclear Participants. When
Global Securities are to be transferred from the account of a DTC Participant
to the account of a Cedel Participant or a Euroclear Participant, the
purchaser will send instructions to Cedel or Euroclear through a Cedel
Participant or Euroclear Participant at least one business day prior to
settlement. Cedel or Euroclear will instruct the Relevant Depository, as the
case may be, to receive the Global Securities against payment. Payment will
include interest accrued on the Global Securities from and including the last
coupon payment date to and excluding the settlement date, on the basis of the
actual number of days in such accrual period and a year assumed to consist of
360 days. For transactions settling on the 31st of the month, payment will
include interest accrued to and excluding the first day of the following
month. Payment will then be made by the Relevant Depository to the DTC
Participant's account against delivery of the Global Securities. After
settlement has been completed, the Global Securities will be credited to the
respective clearing system and by the clearing system, in accordance with its
usual procedures, to the Cedel Participant's or Euroclear Participant's
account. The securities credit will appear the next day (European time) and
the cash debt will be back-valued to, and the interest on the Global
Securities will accrue from, the value date (which would be the preceding day
when settlement occurred in New York). If settlement is not completed on the
intended value date (i.e., the trade fails), the Cedel or Euroclear cash debt
will be valued instead as of the actual settlement date.
Cedel Participants and Euroclear Participants will need to make available
to the respective clearing systems the funds necessary to process same-day
funds settlement. The most direct means of doing so is to preposition funds
for settlement, either from cash on hand or existing lines of credit, as they
would for any settlement occurring within Cedel or Euroclear. Under this
approach, they may take on credit exposure to Cedel or Euroclear until the
Global Securities are credited to their account one day later.
As an alternative, if Cedel or Euroclear has extended a line of credit to
them, Cedel Participants or Euroclear Participants can elect not to
preposition funds and allow that credit line to be drawn upon to finance
settlement. Under this procedure, Cedel Participants or Euroclear
Participants purchasing Global Securities would incur overdraft charges for
one day, assuming they cleared the overdraft when the Global Securities were
credited to their accounts. However, interest on the Global Securities would
accrue from the value date. Therefore, in many cases the investment income
on the Global Securities earned during that one-day period may substantially
reduce or offset the amount of such overdraft charges, although the result
will depend on each Cedel Participant's or Euroclear Participant's particular
cost of funds.
Since the settlement is taking place during New York business hours, DTC
Participants can employ their usual procedures for crediting Global
Securities to the respective European Depository for the benefit of Cedel
Participants or Euroclear Participants. The sale proceeds will be available
to the DTC seller on the settlement date. Thus, to the DTC Participants a
cross-market transaction will settle no differently than a trade between two
DTC Participants.
Trading between Cedel or Euroclear Seller and DTC Purchaser. Due to time
zone differences in their favor, Cedel Participants and Euroclear
Participants may employ their customary procedures for transactions in which
Global Securities are to be transferred by the respective clearing system,
through the respective Depository, to a DTC Participant. The seller will
send instructions to Cedel or Euroclear through a Cedel Participant or
Euroclear Participant at least one business day prior to settlement. In
these cases Cedel or Euroclear will instruct the respective Depository, as
appropriate, to credit the Global Securities to the DTC Participant's account
against payment. Payment will include interest accrued on the Global
Securities from and including the last coupon payment to and excluding the
settlement date on the basis of the actual number of days in such accrual
period and a year assumed to consist to 360 days. For transactions settling
on the 31st of the month, payment will include interest accrued to and
excluding the first day of the following month. The payment will then be
reflected in the account of Cedel Participant or Euroclear Participant the
following day, and receipt of the cash proceeds in the Cedel Participant's or
Euroclear Participant's account would be back-valued to the value date (which
would be the preceding day, when settlement occurred in New York). In the
event that the Cedel Participant or Euroclear Participant have a line of
credit with its respective clearing system and elect to be in debt in
anticipation of receipt of the sale proceeds in its account, the
back-valuation will extinguish any overdraft incurred over that one-day
period. If settlement is not completed on the intended value date (i.e., the
trade fails), receipt of the cash proceeds in the Cedel Participant's or
Euroclear Participant's account would instead be valued as of the actual
settlement date.
I-2
<PAGE>
Finally, day traders that use Cedel or Euroclear and that purchase Global
Securities from DTC Participants for delivery to Cedel Participants or
Euroclear Participants should note that these trades would automatically fail
on the sale side unless affirmative action is taken. At least three
techniques should be readily available to eliminate this potential problem:
(a) borrowing through Cedel or Euroclear for one day (until the purchase
side of the trade is reflected in their Cedel or Euroclear accounts) in
accordance with the clearing system's customary procedures;
(b) borrowing the Global Securities in the U.S. from a DTC Participant no
later than one day prior to settlement, which would give the Global
Securities sufficient time to be reflected in their Cedel or Euroclear
account in order to settle the sale side of the trade; or
(c) staggering the value dates for the buy and sell sides of the trade so
that the value date for the purchase from the DTC Participant is at least one
day prior to the value date for the sale to the Cedel Participant or
Euroclear Participant.
Certain U.S. Federal Income Tax Documentation Requirements
A beneficial owner of Global Securities holding securities through Cedel
or Euroclear (or through DTC if the holder has an address outside the U.S.)
will be subject to the 30% U.S. withholding tax that generally applies to
payments of interest (including original issue discount) on registered debt
issued by U.S. Persons (as defined below), unless (i) each clearing system,
bank or other financial institution that holds customers' securities in the
ordinary course of its trade or business in the chain of intermediaries
between such beneficial owner and the U.S. entity required to withhold tax
complies with applicable certification requirements and (ii) such beneficial
owner takes one of the following steps to obtain an exemption or reduced tax
rate:
Exemption for Non-U.S. Persons (Form W-8). Beneficial Owners of Global
Securities that are Non-U.S. Persons (as defined below) can obtain a
complete exemption from the withholding tax by filing a signed Form W-8
(Certificate of Foreign Status). If the information shown on Form W-8
changes, a new Form W-8 must be filed within 30 days of such change.
Exemption for Non-U.S. Persons with effectively connected income (Form
4224). A Non-U.S. Person (as defined below), including a non-U.S. corporation
or bank with a U.S. branch, for which the interest income is effectively
connected with its conduct of a trade or business in the United States, can
obtain an exemption from the withholding tax by filing Form 4224 (Exemption
from Withholding of Tax on Income Effectively Connected with the Conduct of a
Trade or Business in the United States).
Exemption or reduced rate for non-U.S. Persons resident in treaty
countries (Form 1001). Non-U.S. Persons residing in a country that has a tax
treaty with the United States can obtain an exemption or reduced tax rate
(depending on the treaty terms) by filing Form 1001 (Ownership, Exemption or
Reduced Rate Certificate). If the treaty provides only for a reduced rate,
withholding tax will be imposed at that rate unless the filer alternatively
files Form W-8. Form 1001 may be filed by Certificate Owners or their agent.
Exemption for U.S. Persons (Form W-9). U.S. Persons can obtain a
complete exemption from the withholding tax by filing Form W-9 (Payer's
Request for Taxpayer Identification Number and Certification).
U.S. Federal Income Tax Reporting Procedure. The Owner of a Global
Security or, in the case of a Form 1001 or a Form 4224 filer, his agent,
files by submitting the appropriate form to the person through whom it holds
(the clearing agency, in the case of persons holding directly on the books of
the clearing agency). Form W-8 and Form 1001 are effective for three
calendar years and Form 4224 is effective for one calendar year.
The term "U.S. Person" means (i) a citizen or resident of the United
States, (ii) a corporation, partnership or other entity organized in or under
the laws of the United States or any political subdivision thereof, (iii) an
estate that is subject to U.S. federal income tax regardless of the source of
its income or (iv) a trust if (a) a court in the United States
I-3
<PAGE>
is able to exercise primary supervision over the administration of the trust,
and (b) one or more United States fiduciaries have the authority to control
all substantial decisions of the trust. The term "Non-U.S. Person" means any
person who is not a U.S. Person. This summary does not deal with all aspects
of U.S. federal income tax withholding that may be relevant to foreign
holders of the Global Securities. Investors are advised to consult their own
tax advisors for specific tax advice concerning their holding and disposing
of the Global Securities.
I-4
<PAGE>
APPENDIX A
Financial Guaranty Insurance Company
Audited Financial Statements December 31, 1996 and 1995
with Report of Independent Auditors
A-1
<PAGE>
FINANCIAL GUARANTY INSURANCE
COMPANY
Financial Statements
December 31, 1996, 1995 and 1994
(With Independent Auditors' Report Thereon)
<PAGE>
FINANCIAL GUARANTY INSURANCE COMPANY
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Audited Financial Statements
December 31, 1996
Report of Independent Auditors................ 1
Balance Sheets................................ 2
Statements of Income.......................... 3
Statements of Stockholder's Equity............ 4
Statements of Cash Flows...................... 5
Notes to Financial Statements................. 6
<PAGE>
[Letterhead]
Independent Auditors' Report
To the Board of Directors and Stockholder
Financial Guaranty Insurance Company:
We have audited the accompanying balance sheets of Financial Guaranty
Insurance Company as of December 31, 1996 and 1995, and the related
statements of income, stockholder's equity, and cash flows for each of the
years in the three year period then ended. These financial statements are
the responsibility of the Company's management. Our responsibility is to
express an opinion on these financial statements based on our audits.
We conducted our audits in accordance with generally accepted auditing
standards. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to
obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free
of material misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis,
evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements.
An audit also includes assessing the accounting principles used and
significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall
financial statement presentation. We believe that our audits provide a
reasonable basis for our opinion.
In our opinion, the financial statements referred to above present fairly,
in all material respects, the financial position of Financial Guaranty
Insurance Company as of December 31, 1996 and 1995 and the results of its
operations and its cash flows for each of the years in the three year period
then ended in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles.
/s/ KPMG Peat Marwick LLP
January 17, 1997
<PAGE>
Financial Guaranty Insurance Company Balance Sheets
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
($in Thousands, except per share amounts)
DECEMBER 31, DECEMBER 31,
1996 1995
---------------- --------------
Assets
Fixed maturity securities available-
for-sale (amortized cost of $2,190,303 in
1996 and $2,043,453 in 1995)............. $2,250,549 $2,141,584
Short-term investments, at cost, which
approximates market...................... 73,839 91,032
Cash....................................... 860 199
Accrued investment income.................. 37,655 37,347
Reinsurance recoverable.................... 7,015 7,672
Prepaid reinsurance premiums............... 167,683 162,087
Deferred policy acquisition costs.......... 91,945 94,868
Property and equipment, net of accumulated
depreciation ($15,333 in 1996 and
$12,861 in 1995)......................... 4,696 6,314
Receivable for securities sold............. 379 26,572
Prepaid expenses and other assets.......... 19,520 12,627
---------- ----------
Total assets............................ $2,654,141 $2,580,302
---------- ----------
---------- ----------
Liabilities and Stockholder's Equity
Liabilities:
Unearned premiums.......................... $ 681,816 $ 727,535
Loss and loss adjustment expenses.......... 72,616 77,808
Ceded reinsurance balances payable......... 10,561 1,942
Accounts payable and accrued expenses...... 54,165 32,811
Payable to Parent.......................... 1,791 1,647
Current federal income taxes payable....... 52,016 51,296
Deferred federal income taxes.............. 91,805 99,171
Payable for securities purchased........... 4,937 40,211
---------- ----------
Total liabilities....................... $ 969,707 1,032,421
---------- ----------
Stockholder's Equity:
Common stock, par value $1,500 per share;
10,000 shares authorized, issued and
outstanding.............................. 15,000 15,000
Additional paid-in capital................. 334,011 334,011
Net unrealized gains on fixed maturity
securities available-for-sale, net of
tax...................................... 39,160 63,785
Foreign currency translation adjustment,
net of tax............................... (429) (1,499)
Retained earnings.......................... 1,296,692 1,136,584
---------- ----------
Total stockholder's equity.............. 1,684,434 1,547,881
---------- ----------
Total liabilities and stockholder' equity $2,654,141 $2,580,302
---------- ----------
---------- ----------
See accompanying notes to financial statements.
2
<PAGE>
Financial Guaranty Insurance Company Statements of Income
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
($ in Thousands)
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
FOR THE YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31,
-------------------------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
1996 1995 1994
----------- ----------- -----------
Revenues:
Gross premiums written..................................................... $ 97,027 $ 97,288 $ 161,940
Ceded premiums............................................................. (29,376) (19,319) (46,477)
----------- ----------- -----------
Net premiums written....................................................... 67,651 77,969 115,463
Decrease in net unearned premiums.......................................... 51,314 27,309 53,364
----------- ----------- -----------
Net premiums earned........................................................ 118,965 105,278 168,827
Net investment income...................................................... 124,635 120,398 109,828
Net realized gains......................................................... 15,022 30,762 5,898
----------- ----------- -----------
Total revenues............................................................. 258,622 256,438 284,553
----------- ----------- -----------
Expenses:
Loss and loss adjustment expenses.......................................... 2,389 (8,426) 3,646
Policy acquisition costs................................................... 16,327 13,072 15,060
Decrease (Increase)in Deferred policy acquisition costs.................... 2,923 (3,940) 3,709
Other underwriting expenses................................................ 12,508 19,100 21,182
----------- ----------- -----------
Total expenses............................................................. 34,147 19,806 43,597
----------- ----------- -----------
Income before provision for Federal income taxes........................... 224,475 236,632 240,956
----------- ----------- -----------
Federal income tax expense: Current........................................ 41,548 28,913 43,484
Deferred................................................................... 5,318 19,841 7,741
----------- ----------- -----------
Total Federal income tax expense........................................... 46,866 48,754 51,225
----------- ----------- -----------
Net income................................................................. $ 177,609 $ 187,878 $ 189,731
----------- ----------- -----------
----------- ----------- -----------
</TABLE>
See accompanying notes to financial statements.
3
<PAGE>
Financial Guaranty Insurance Company Statements of Stockholder's Equity
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
($in Thousands)
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
UNREALIZED GAINS
(LOSSES) ON FIXED
ADDITIONAL MATURITY SECURITIES FOREIGN
COMMON PAID-IN AVAILABLE-FOR-SALE, CURRENCY RETAINED
STOCK CAPITAL NET OF TAX ADJUSTMENT EARNINGS
--------- -------------- --------------------- -------------- -------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Balance, January 1, 1994................. $15,000 $334,011 $ 90,708 $(2,265) $783,975
Net income............................... -- -- -- -- 189,731
Change in fixed maturity securities......
available for sale, net of tax
of ($71,336)........................... -- -- (132,481) -- --
Foreign currency translation adjustment.. -- -- -- 1,044 --
--------- -------- --------- ------- ---------
Balance, December 31, 1994............... 15,000 334,011 (41,773) (1,221) 973,706
--------- -------- --------- ------- ---------
Net income............................... -- -- -- -- 187,878
Dividend paid............................ -- -- -- -- (25,000)
Change in fixed maturity securities
available for sale, net of tax
of $56,839............................. -- -- 105,558 -- --
Foreign currency translation adjustment.. -- -- -- (278) --
--------- -------- --------- ------- ---------
Balance, December 31, 1995............... 15,000 334,011 63,785 (1,499) 1,136,584
--------- -------- --------- ------- ---------
Net Income............................... -- -- -- -- 177,609
Dividend paid............................ -- -- -- -- (17,500)
Change in fixed maturity securities
available for sale, net of tax
of ($13,260)........................... -- -- (24,625) -- --
Foreign currency translation adjustment.. -- -- -- 1,070 --
--------- -------- --------- ------- ---------
Balance at December 31, 1996.............$ 15,000 $334,011 $ 39,160 $ (429) $1,296,692
--------- -------- --------- ------- ---------
--------- -------- --------- ------- ---------
</TABLE>
See accompanying notes to financial statements.
4
<PAGE>
Financial Guaranty Insurance Company Statements of Cash Flows
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
($ in Thousands)
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
FOR THE YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31,
--------------------------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
1996 1995 1994
------------ ----------- -----------
Operating Activities:
Net income............................................................... $ 177,609 $ 187,878 $ 189,731
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating
activities:
Change in unearned premiums.............................................. (45,719) (29,890) (45,927)
Change in loss and loss adjustment expense reserves...................... (5,192) (20,938) 2,648
Depreciation of property and equipment................................... 2,472 2,348 2,689
Change in reinsurance receivable......................................... 657 6,800 (304)
Change in prepaid reinsurance premiums................................... (5,596) 2,581 (7,437)
Change in foreign currency translation adjustment........................ 1,646 (427) 1,607
Policy acquisition costs deferred........................................ (16,327) (16,219) (18,306)
Amortization of deferred policy acquisition costs........................ 19,250 12,279 22,015
Change in accrued investment income, and prepaid
expenses and other assets................................................ (7,201) 2,906 (5,150)
Change in other liabilities.............................................. 30,117 (12,946) 2,577
Change in deferred income taxes.......................................... 5,318 19,841 7,741
Amortization of fixed maturity securities................................ 792 1,922 5,112
Change in current income taxes payable................................... 720 (30,827) 33,391
Net realized gains on investments........................................ (15,022) (30,762) (5,898)
------------ ----------- -----------
Net cash provided by operating activities................................ 143,524 94,546 184,489
------------ ----------- -----------
Investing Activities:
Sales and maturities of fixed maturity securities........................ 891,643 836,103 550,534
Purchases of fixed maturity securities................................... (1,033,345) (891,108) (721,908)
Purchases, sales and maturities of short-term investments, net........... 17,193 (15,358) (11,486)
Purchases of property and equipment, net................................. (854) (750) (1,290)
------------ ----------- -----------
Net cash used in investing activities.................................... (125,363) (71,113) (184,150)
------------ ----------- -----------
Financing Activities:
Dividends paid........................................................... (17,500) (25,000) --
Net cash provided by financing activities................................ (17,500) (25,000) --
Increase (Decrease) in cash.............................................. 661 (1,567) 339
Cash at beginning of year................................................ 199 1,766 1,427
------------ ----------- -----------
Cash at end of year...................................................... $ 860 $ 199 $ 1,766
------------ ----------- -----------
------------ ----------- -----------
</TABLE>
See accompanying notes to financial statements.
5
<PAGE>
Financial Guaranty Insurance Company Notes to Financial Statements
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(1) Business
Financial Guaranty Insurance Company (the "Company"), a wholly-owned
insurance subsidiary of FGIC Corporation (the "Parent"), provides financial
guaranty insurance on newly issued municipal bonds and municipal bonds trading
in the secondary market, the latter including bonds held by unit investment
trusts and mutual funds. The Company also insures structured debt issues outside
the municipal market. Approximately 82% of the business written since inception
by the Company has been municipal bond insurance.
The Company insures only those securities that, in its judgment, are of
investment grade quality. Municipal bond insurance written by the Company
insures the full and timely payment of principal and interest when due on
scheduled maturity, sinking fund or other mandatory redemption and interest
payment dates to the holders of municipal securities. The Company's insurance
policies do not provide for accelerated payment of the principal of, or interest
on, the bond insured in the case of a payment default. If the issuer of a
Company-insured bond defaults on its obligation to pay debt service, the Company
will make scheduled interest and principal payments as due and is subrogated to
the rights of bondholders to the extent of payments made by it.
The preparation of financial statements in conformity with generally
accepted accounting principles requires management to make estimates and
assumptions that effect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and
disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial
statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the
reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates.
(2) Significant Accounting Policies
The accompanying financial statements have been prepared on the basis of
generally accepted accounting principles ("GAAP") which differ in certain
respects from the accounting practices prescribed or permitted by regulatory
authorities (see Note 3). The prior years financial statements have been
reclassified to conform to the 1996 presentation. Significant accounting
policies are as follows:
Investments
The Company accounts for its investments in accordance with Statement of
Financial Accounting Standards No. 115 ("SFAS 115"), "Accounting for Certain
Investments in Debt and Equity Securities." The Statement defines three
categories for classification of debt securities and the related accounting
treatment for each respective category. The Company has determined that its
fixed maturity securities portfolio should be classified as available-for-sale.
Under SFAS 115, securities held as available-for-sale are recorded at fair value
and unrealized holding gains/losses are recorded as a separate component of
stockholder's equity, net of applicable income taxes.
Short-term investments are carried at cost, which approximates fair value.
Bond discounts and premiums are amortized over the remaining terms of the
securities. Realized gains or losses on the sale of investments are determined
on the basis of specific identification.
6
<PAGE>
Financial Guaranty Insurance Company Notes to Financial Statements (Continued)
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Premium Revenue Recognition
Premiums for policies where premiums are collected in a single payment at
policy inception are earned over the period at risk, based on the total exposure
outstanding at any point in time. Financial guaranty insurance policies exposure
generally declines according to predetermined schedules. For policies with
premiums that are collected periodically, premiums are reflected in income pro
rata over the period covered by the premium payment.
Policy Acquisition Costs
Policy acquisition costs include only those expenses that relate directly to
premium production. Such costs include compensation of employees involved in
underwriting, marketing and policy issuance functions, rating agency fees, state
premium taxes and certain other underwriting expenses, offset by ceding
commission income on premiums ceded to reinsurers (see Note 6). Net acquisition
costs are deferred and amortized over the period in which the related premiums
are earned. Anticipated loss and loss adjustment expenses are considered in
determining the recoverability of acquisition costs.
Loss and Loss Adjustment Expenses
Provision for loss and loss adjustment expenses is made in an amount equal
to the present value of unpaid principal and interest and other payments due
under insured risks at the balance sheet date for which, in management's
judgment, the likelihood of default is probable. Such reserves amounted to $72.6
million and $77.8 million at December 31, 1996 and 1995, respectively. As of
December 31, 1996 and 1995, such reserves included $28.9 million and $28.8
million, respectively, established based on an evaluation of the insured
portfolio in light of current economic conditions and other relevant factors.
Loss and loss adjustment expenses include amounts discounted at an interest rate
of between 6.5 and 6.6 in 1996 and 5.5 % in 1995. The reserve for loss and loss
adjustment expenses is necessarily based upon estimates, however, in
management's opinion the reserves for loss and loss adjustment expenses is
adequate. However, actual results will likely differ from those estimates.
Income Taxes
Deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognized for the future tax
consequences attributable to differences between the financial statement
carrying amounts of existing assets and liabilities and their respective tax
bases. These temporary differences relate principally to unrealized gains
(losses) on fixed maturity securities available-for-sale, premium revenue
recognition, deferred acquisition costs and deferred compensation. Deferred tax
assets and liabilities are measured using enacted tax rates expected to apply to
taxable income in the years in which those temporary differences are expected to
be recovered or settled. The effect on deferred tax assets and liabilities of a
change in tax rates is recognized in income in the period that includes the
enactment date.
Financial guaranty insurance companies are permitted to deduct from taxable
income, subject to certain limitations, amounts added to statutory contingency
reserves (see Note 3). The amounts deducted must be included in taxable income
upon their release from the reserves or upon earlier release of such amounts
from such reserves to cover excess losses as permitted by insurance regulators.
The amounts deducted are allowed as deductions from taxable income only to the
extent that U.S. government non-interest bearing tax and loss bonds are
purchased and held in an amount equal to the tax benefit attributable to such
deductions.
7
<PAGE>
Financial Guaranty Insurance Company Notes to Financial Statements (Continued)
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Property and Equipment
Property and equipment consists of furniture, fixtures, equipment and
leasehold improvements which are recorded at cost and are charged to income over
their estimated service lives. Office furniture and equipment are depreciated
straight-line over five years. Leasehold improvements are amortized over their
estimated service life or over the life of the lease, whichever is shorter.
Computer equipment and software are depreciated over three years. Maintenance
and repairs are charged to expense as incurred.
Foreign Currency Translation
The Company has established foreign branches in France and the United
Kingdom and determined that the functional currencies of these branches are
local currencies. Accordingly, the assets and liabilities of these foreign
branches are translated into U.S. dollars at the rates of exchange existing
at December 31, 1996 and 1995 and revenues and expenses are translated at
average monthly exchange rates. The cumulative translation loss at December
31, 1996 and 1995 was $0.4 million and $1.5 million, respectively, net of
tax, and is reported as a separate component of stockholder's equity.
(3) Statutory Accounting Practices
The financial statements are prepared on the basis of GAAP, which differs in
certain respects from accounting practices prescribed or permitted by state
insurance regulatory authorities. The following are the significant ways in
which statutory-basis accounting practices differ from GAAP:
(a) premiums are earned directly in proportion to the scheduled
principal and interest payments rather than in proportion to the total
exposure outstanding at any point in time.
(b) policy acquisition costs are charged to current operations as
incurred rather than as related premiums are earned;
(c) a contingency reserve is computed on the basis of statutory
requirements for the security of all policyholders, regardless of whether
loss contingencies actually exist, whereas under GAAP, a reserve is
established based on an ultimate estimate of exposure;
(d) certain assets designated as non-admitted assets are charged
directly against surplus but are reflected as assets under GAAP, if
recoverable;
(e) federal income taxes are only provided with respect to taxable
income for which income taxes are currently payable, while under GAAP taxes
are also provided for differences between the financial reporting and the
tax bases of assets and liabilities;
(f) purchases of tax and loss bonds are reflected as admitted assets,
while under GAAP they are recorded as federal income tax payments; and
(g) all fixed income investments are carried at amortized cost rather
than at fair value for securities classified as available-for-sale under
GAAP.
8
<PAGE>
Financial Guaranty Insurance Company Notes to Financial Statements (Continued)
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The following is a reconciliation of net income and stockholder's equity
presented on a GAAP basis to the corresponding amounts reported on a
statutory-basis for the periods indicated below (in thousands):
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31,
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1996 1995 1994
-------------------------- -------------------------- --------------------------
NET STOCKHOLDER'S NET STOCKHOLDER'S NET STOCKHOLDER'S
INCOME EQUITY INCOME EQUITY INCOME EQUITY
----------- ------------- ----------- ------------- ----------- -------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
GAAP basis amount................... $ 177,609 $ 1,684,434 $ 187,878 $ 1,547,881 $ 189,731 $ 1,279,723
Premium revenue recognition......... (9,358) (176,285) (22,555) (166,927) (4,970) (144,372)
Deferral of acquisition costs....... 2,923 (91,945) (3,940) (94,868) 3,709 (90,928)
Contingency reserve................. -- (460,973) -- (386,564) -- (328,073)
Non-admitted assets................. -- (3,879) -- (5,731) -- (7,566)
Case basis loss reserves............ (3,197) (3,249) 4,048 (52) (3,340) (4,100)
Portfolio loss reserves............. -- 24,000 (22,100) 24,000 (11,050) 46,100
Deferral of income taxes
(benefits)........................ 5,317 70,719 19,842 64,825 7,741 45,134
Unrealized gains (losses) on fixed
maturity securities held at fair
value, net of tax................. -- (39,160) -- (63,785) -- 41,773
Recognition of profit commission.... (441) (6,185) 3,096 (5,744) (2,410) (8,840)
Provision for unauthorized
reinsurance....................... -- -- -- -- -- (266)
Contingency reserve tax deduction
(see Note 2)...................... -- 85,176 -- 78,196 -- 55,496
Allocation of tax benefits due to
Parent's net operating loss to the
Company (see Note 5).............. 313 10,603 637 10,290 (63) 9,653
----------- ------------- ----------- ------------- ----------- -------------
Statutory-basis amount.............. $ 173,166 $ 1,093,256 $ 166,906 $ 1,001,521 $ 179,348 $ 893,734
----------- ------------- ----------- ------------- ----------- -------------
----------- ------------- ----------- ------------- ----------- -------------
</TABLE>
9
<PAGE>
Financial Guaranty Insurance
Company Notes to Financial Statements (Continued)
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(4) INVESTMENTS
Investments in fixed maturity securities carried at fair value of $3.1
million and $3.2 million as of December 31, 1996 and 1995, respectively,
were on deposit with various regulatory authorities as required by law.
The amortized cost and fair values of short-term investments and of
investments in fixed maturity securities classified as
available-for-sale areas follows (in thousands):
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
GROSS GROSS
UNREALIZED UNREALIZED
AMORTIZED HOLDING HOLDING FAIR
1996 COST GAINS LOSSES VALUE
- ------ ------------- ----------- ----------- -------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
U.S. Treasury securities and
obligations of U.S. government
corporations and agencies................................ $ 57,987 $ 373 $ 1 $ 58,359
Obligations of states and political
subdivisions............................................. 2,098,486 65,254 4,854 2,158,886
Debt securities issued by foreign
governments.............................................. 33,830 -- 526 33,304
------------- ----------- ----------- -------------
Investments available-for-sale............................ 2,190,303 65,627 5,381 2,250,549
Short-term investments.................................... 73,839 -- -- 73,839
------------- ----------- ----------- -------------
Total..................................................... $ 2,264,142 $ 65,627 $ 5,381 $ 2,324,388
------------- ----------- ----------- -------------
------------- ----------- ----------- -------------
</TABLE>
The amortized cost and fair values of short-term investments and of
investments in fixed maturity securities available-for-sale at December
31, 1996, by contractual maturity date, are shown below. Expected
maturities may differ from contractual maturities because borrowers may
have the right to call or prepay obligations with or without call or
prepayment penalties.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
AMORTIZED FAIR
1996 COST VALUE
- ----- ------------- -------------
<S> <C> <C>
Due in one year or less............................................................. $ 110,783 $ 110,888
Due after one year through five years............................................... 92,279 92,951
Due after five years through ten years.............................................. 337,495 349,524
Due after ten years through twenty years............................................ 1,650,945 1,696,623
Due after twenty years.............................................................. 72,640 74,402
------------- -------------
Total............................................................................... $ 2,264,142 $ 2,324,388
------------- -------------
------------- -------------
</TABLE>
10
<PAGE>
Financial Guaranty Insurance
Company Notes to Financial Statements (Continued)
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
GROSS GROSS
UNREALIZED UNREALIZED
AMORTIZED HOLDING HOLDING FAIR
1995 COST GAINS LOSSES VALUE
- ---- ------------- ----------- ----------- -------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
U.S. Treasury securities and obligations of U.S.
government corporations and agencies................... $ 71,182 $ 1,696 -- $ 72,878
Obligations of states and political subdivisions......... 1,942,001 98,458 $ 1,625 2,038,834
Debt securities issued by foreign governments............ 30,270 152 550 29,872
------------- ----------- ----------- -------------
Investments available-for-sale........................... 2,043,453 100,306 2,175 2,141,584
Short-term investments................................... 91,032 -- -- 91,032
------------- ----------- ----------- -------------
Total.................................................... $ 2,134,485 $ 100,306 $ 2,175 $ 2,232,616
------------- ----------- ----------- -------------
------------- ----------- ----------- -------------
</TABLE>
In 1996, 1995 and 1994, proceeds from sales and maturities of investments
in fixed maturity securities available-for-sale carried at fair value
were $891.6 million, $836.1 million, and $550.5 million, respectively.
For 1996, 1995 and 1994 gross gains of $19.8 million, $36.3 million and
$18.2 million respectively, and gross losses of $15.0 million, $5.5
million and $12.3 million respectively, were realized on such sales.
Net investment income of the Company is derived from the following
sources (in thousands):
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31,
-------------------------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
1996 1995 1994
----------- ----------- -----------
Income from fixed maturity securities...................................... 119,290 $ 112,684 $ 108,519
Income from short-term investments......................................... 6,423 8,450 2,479
----------- ----------- -----------
Total investment income.................................................... 125,713 121,134 110,998
Investment expenses........................................................ 1,078 736 1,170
----------- ----------- -----------
Net investment income...................................................... $ 124,635 $ 120,398 $ 109,828
----------- ----------- -----------
----------- ----------- -----------
</TABLE>
As of December 31, 1996, the Company did not have more than 10% of its
investment portfolio concentrated in a single issuer or industry.
11
<PAGE>
Financial Guaranty Insurance
Company Notes to Financial Statements (Continued)
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(5) INCOME TAXES
The Company files a federal tax return as part of the consolidated
return of General Electric Capital Corporation ("GE Capital"). Under a
tax sharing agreement with GE Capital, taxes are allocated to the
Company and the Parent based upon their respective contributions to
consolidated net income. The Company's effective federal corporate tax
rate (20.8 percent in 1996, 20.6 percent in 1995 and 21.3 percent in
1994) is less than the corporate tax rate on ordinary income of 35
percent in 1996, 1995 and 1994.
Federal income tax expense relating to operations of the Company for
1996, 1995 and 1994 is comprised of the following (in thousands):
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31,
-------------------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
1996 1995 1994
--------- --------- ---------
Current tax expense............................................................ $ 41,548 $ 28,913 $ 43,484
Deferred tax expense........................................................... 5,318 19,841 7,741
--------- --------- ---------
Federal income tax expense..................................................... $ 46,866 $ 48,754 $ 51,225
--------- --------- ---------
--------- --------- ---------
</TABLE>
The following is a reconciliation of federal income taxes computed at the
statutory rate and the provision for federal income taxes (in thousands):
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31,
-------------------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
1996 1995 1994
--------- --------- ---------
Income taxes computed on income
before provision for federal income taxes, at the statutory rate............... $ 78,566 $ 82,821 $ 84,334
Tax effect of:
Tax-exempt interest.......................................................... (32,609) (30,630) (30,089)
Other, net................................................................... 909 (3,437) (3,020)
--------- --------- ---------
Provision for income taxes..................................................... $ 46,866 $ 48,754 $ 51,225
--------- --------- ---------
--------- --------- ---------
</TABLE>
12
<PAGE>
Financial Guaranty Insurance
Company Notes to Financial Statements (Continued)
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The tax effects of temporary differences that give rise to significant
portions of the net deferred tax liability or asset at December 31, 1996 and
1995 are presented below (in thousands):
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
1996 1995
--------- ---------
<S> <C> <C>
Deferred tax assets:
Loss reserves............................................................................ $ 9,249 $ 8,382
Deferred compensation.................................................................... 2,531 5,735
Tax over book capital gains.............................................................. 2,144 1,069
Other.................................................................................... 2,601 3,248
--------- ---------
Total gross deferred tax assets............................................................ 16,525 18,434
--------- ---------
Deferred tax liabilities:
Unrealized gains on fixed maturity securities, available-for-sale........................ 21,086 34,346
Deferred acquisition costs............................................................... 32,181 33,204
Premium revenue recognition.............................................................. 37,159 32,791
Rate differential on tax and loss bonds.................................................. 9,454 9,454
Other.................................................................................... 8,450 7,810
--------- ---------
Total gross deferred tax liabilities....................................................... 108,330 117,605
--------- ---------
Net deferred tax liability................................................................. $ 91,805 $ 99,171
--------- ---------
--------- ---------
</TABLE>
Based upon the level of historical taxable income, projections of future
taxable income over the periods in which the deferred tax assets are
deductible and the estimated reversal of future taxable temporary
differences, the Company believes it is more likely than not that it
will realize the benefits of these deductible differences and has not
established a valuation allowance at December 31, 1996 and 1995. The
Company anticipates that the related deferred tax asset will be realized.
Total federal income tax payments during 1996, 1995 and 1994 were $33.9
million, $59.8 million, and $10.1 million, respectively.
13
<PAGE>
Financial Guaranty Insurance
Company Notes to Financial Statements (Continued)
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(6) REINSURANCE
The Company reinsures portions of its risk with other insurance
companies through quota share reinsurance treaties and, where warranted,
on a facultative basis. This process serves to limit the Company's
exposure on risks underwritten. In the event that any or all of the
reinsuring companies were unable to meet their obligations, the Company
would be liable for such defaulted amounts. The Company evaluates the
financial condition of its reinsurers and monitors concentrations of
credit risk arising from activities or economic characteristics of the
reinsurers to minimize its exposure to significant losses from reinsurer
insolvencies. The Company holds collateral under reinsurance agreements
in the form of letters of credit and trust agreements in various amounts
with various reinsurers totaling $32.9 million that can be drawn on in
the event of default.
Net premiums earned are presented net of ceded earned premiums of $23.7
million, $21.9 million and $39.0 million for the years ended December
31, 1996, 1995 and 1994, respectively. Loss and loss adjustment expenses
incurred are presented net of ceded losses of $(0.8) million, $1.1
million and $0.3 million for the years ended December 31, 1996, 1995 and
1994, respectively.
14
<PAGE>
Financial Guaranty Insurance
Company Notes to Financial Statements (Continued)
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(7) LOSS AND LOSS ADJUSTMENT EXPENSES
Activity in the reserve for loss and loss adjustment expenses is
summarized as follows (in thousands):
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31,
-------------------------------
1996 1995 1994
--------- --------- ---------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Balance at January 1,.......................................................... $ 77,808 $ 98,746 $ 96,098
Less reinsurance recoverable.................................................. (7,672) 14,472 14,168
--------- --------- ---------
Net balance at January 1,...................................................... 70,136 84,274 81,930
Incurred related to:
Current year................................................................... -- 26,681 15,133
Prior years.................................................................... 2,389 (1,207) (437)
Portfolio reserves............................................................. -- (33,900) (11,050)
--------- --------- ---------
Total Incurred................................................................. 2,389 (8,426) 3,646
--------- --------- ---------
Paid related to:
Current year................................................................... -- (197) (382)
Prior years.................................................................... (6,924) (5,515) (920)
--------- --------- ---------
Total Paid..................................................................... (6,924) (5,712) (1,302)
--------- --------- ---------
Net balance at December 31,.................................................... 65,601 70,136 84,274
Plus reinsurance recoverable.................................................. 7,015 7,672 14,472
--------- --------- ---------
Balance at December 31,........................................................ $ 72,616 $ 77,808 $ 98,746
--------- --------- ---------
--------- --------- ---------
</TABLE>
The changes in incurred portfolio and case reserves principally relates
to business written in prior years. The changes are based upon an
evaluation of the insured portfolio in light of current economic
conditions and other relevant factors.
15
<PAGE>
Financial Guaranty Insurance
Company Notes to Financial Statements (Continued)
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(8) RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS
The Company has various agreements with subsidiaries of General Electric
Company ("GE") and GE Capital. These business transactions include
appraisal fees and due diligence costs associated with underwriting
structured finance mortgage-backed security business; payroll and office
expenses incurred by the Company's international branch offices but
processed by a GE subsidiary; investment fees pertaining to the
management of the Company's investment portfolio; and telecommunication
service charges. Approximately $8.1 million, $3.2 million and $3.2
million in expenses were incurred in 1996, 1995 and 1994, respectively,
related to such transactions.
The Company also insured certain non-municipal issues with GE Capital
involvement as sponsor of the insured securitization and/or servicer of
the underlying assets. For some of these issues, GE Capital also
provides first loss protection in the event of default. Gross premiums
written on these issues amounted to $0.6 million in 1996, $1.3 million
in 1995, and $2.5 million in 1994.
The Company insures bond issues and securities in trusts that were
sponsored by affiliates of GE (approximately 1 percent of gross premiums
written) in 1996, 1995 and 1994.
(9) COMPENSATION PLANS
Officers and other key employees of the Company participate in the
Parent's incentive compensation, deferred compensation and profit
sharing plans. Expenses incurred by the Company under compensation plans
and bonuses amounted to $4.5 million, $7.5 million and $12.2 million in
1996, 1995 and 1994, respectively, before deduction for related tax
benefits.
(10) DIVIDENDS
Under New York insurance law, the Company may pay a dividend only from
earned surplus subject to the following limitations: (a) statutory
surplus after such dividend may not be less than the minimum required
paid-in capital, which was $66.4 million in 1996 and 1995, and (b)
dividends may not exceed the lesser of 10 percent of its surplus or 100
percent of adjusted net investment income, as defined by New York
insurance law, for the 12 month period ending on the preceding December
31, without the prior approval of the Superintendent of the New York
State Insurance Department. At December 31, 1996 and 1995, the amount of
the Company's surplus available for dividends was approximately $91.8
million and $100.2 million, respectively.
During 1996 and 1995, the Company paid dividends of $17.5 milion and
$25.0 million, respectively. No dividends were paid during 1994.
16
<PAGE>
Financial Guaranty Insurance
Company Notes to Financial Statements (Continued)
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(11) FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS
FAIR VALUE OF FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS
The following methods and assumptions were used by the Company in
estimating fair values of financial instruments:
Fixed Maturity Securities: Fair values for fixed maturity securities are
based on quoted market prices, if available. If a quoted market price is
not available, fair values is estimated using quoted market prices for
similar securities. Fair value disclosure for fixed maturity securities
is included in the balance sheets and in Note 4.
Short-Term Investments: Short-term investments are carried at cost,
which approximates fair value.
Cash, Receivable for Securities Sold, and Payable for Securities
Purchased: The carrying amounts of these items approximate their fair
values.
The estimated fair values of the Company's financial instruments at
December 31, 1996 and 1995 are as follows (in thousands):
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
1996 1995
---------------------------- ------------------------
CARRYING FAIR CARRYING FAIR
FINANCIAL ASSETS AMOUNT VALUE AMOUNT VALUE
- -------------------------------------------------------- ------------- ------------- ----------- -----------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Cash
On hand and in demand accounts......................... $ 860 $ 860 $ 199 $ 199
Short-term investments.................................. $ 73,839 $ 73,839 91,032 91,032
Fixed maturity securities............................... $ 2,250,549 $ 2,250,549 2,141,584 2,141,584
</TABLE>
Financial Guaranties: The carrying value of the Company's financial
guaranties is represented by the unearned premium reserve, net of
deferred acquisition costs, and loss and loss adjustment expense
reserves. Estimated fair values of these guaranties are based on amounts
currently charged to enter into similar agreements (net of applicable
ceding commissions), discounted cash flows considering contractual
revenues to be received adjusted for expected prepayments, the present
value of future obligations and estimated losses, and current interest
rates. The estimated fair values of such financial guaranties range
between $358.7million and $387.4 million compared to a carrying value of
$487.8 million as of December 31, 1996 and between $412.8 million and
$456.2 million compared to a carrying value of $540.6 million as of
December 31, 1995.
17
<PAGE>
Financial Guaranty Insurance
Company Notes to Financial Statements (Continued)
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
CONCENTRATIONS OF CREDIT RISK
The Company considers its role in providing insurance to be credit
enhancement rather than credit substitution. The Company insures only
those securities that, in its judgment, are of investment grade quality.
The Company has established and maintains its own underwriting standards
that are based on those aspects of credit that the Company deems
important for the particular category of obligations considered for
insurance. Credit criteria include economic and social trends, debt
management, financial management and legal and administrative factors,
the adequacy of anticipated cash flows, including the historical and
expected performance of assets pledged for payment of securities under
varying economic scenarios and underlying levels of protection such as
insurance or overcollateralization.
In connection with underwriting new issues, the Company sometimes
requires, as a condition to insuring an issue, that collateral be
pledged or, in some instances, that a third-party guarantee be provided
for a term of the obligation insured by a party of acceptable credit
quality obligated to make payment prior to any payment by the Company.
The types and extent of collateral pledged varies, but may include
residential and commercial mortgages, corporate debt, government debt
and consumer receivables.
As of December 31, 1996, the Company's total insured principal exposure
to credit loss in the event of default by bond issuers was $104.4
billion, net of reinsurance of $30.8 billion. The Company's insured
portfolio as of December 31, 1996 was broadly diversified by geography
and bond market sector with no single debt issuer representing more than
1% of the Company's principal exposure outstanding, net of reinsurance.
As of December 31, 1996, the composition of principal exposure by type
of issue, net of reinsurance, was as follows (in millions):
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
NET
PRINCIPAL
OUTSTANDING
-------------
<S> <C>
Municipal:
General obligation................................................................................ $ 50,213.1
Special revenue................................................................................... 33,037.8
Industrial revenue................................................................................ 366.5
Non-municipal..................................................................................... 20,776.2
-------------
Total.............................................................................................. $ 104,393.6
-------------
-------------
</TABLE>
The Company's net exposure outstanding is $188,646.00 million as of
December 31, 1996.
18
<PAGE>
Financial Guaranty Insurance
Company Notes to Financial Statements (Continued)
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The Company is authorized to do business in 50 states, the District of
Columbia, and in the United Kingdom and France. Principal exposure
outstanding at December 31, 1996 by state, net of reinsurance, was as
follows (in millions):
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
NET
PRINCIPAL
OUTSTANDING
-------------
<S> <C>
California...............................................$ 11,251.7
Florida........................................................9,838.4
Pennsylvania...................................................9,325.3
New York.......................................................8,184.5
Illinois.......................................................6,721.2
Texas..........................................................5,799.1
New Jersey.....................................................4,465.3
Michigan.......................................................4,166.6
Arizona........................................................2,808.9
Ohio...........................................................2,616.0
--------------
Sub-total....................................................65,177.0
Other states and International................................39,216.6
--------------
Total....................................................$ 104,393.6
--------------
--------------
</TABLE>
(12) COMMITMENTS
Total rent expense was $2.8 million, $2.2 million and $2.6 million in
1996, 1995 and 1994, respectively. For each of the next five years and
in the aggregate as of December 31, 1996, the minimum future rental
payments under noncancellable operating leases having remaining terms in
excess of one year approximate (in thousands):
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
YEAR Amount
- ----- --------
<S> <C>
1997................................................ $ 2,909
1999................................................ 2,909
2000................................................ 2,909
2001................................................ 2,911
-------
Total minimum future rental payments $ 14,547
-------
-------
</TABLE>
19
<PAGE>
APPENDIX B
Financial Guaranty Insurance Company
Unaudited Financial Statements Nine Months Ended September 30, 1997
B-1
<PAGE>
FINANCIAL GUARANTY INSURANCE COMPANY
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
UNAUDITED INTERIM FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
September 30, 1997
Balance Sheets............................... 1
Statements of Income......................... 2
Statements of Cash Flows..................... 3
Notes to Unaudited Interim Financial
Statements................................. 4
<PAGE>
Financial Guaranty Insurance Balance Sheet
Company
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
($ in Thousands)
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
SEPTEMBER 30, DECEMBER 31,
1997 1996
-------------- --------------
(UNAUDITED)
<S> <C> <C>
Assets
Fixed maturity securities, available for sale,
at fair value (amortized cost of
$2,260,772 in 1997 and $2,190,303 in 1996)................... $ 2,359,717 $ 2,250,549
Short-term investments, at cost,
which approximates market.................................... 131,524 73,839
Cash........................................................... 699 860
Accrued investment income...................................... 36,060 37,655
Reinsurance receivable......................................... 8,271 7,015
Deferred policy acquisition costs.............................. 88,738 91,945
Property, plant and equipment net of accumulated
depreciation of $16,962 in 1997
and $15,333 in 1996.......................................... 3,551 4,696
Prepaid reinsurance premiums................................... 161,578 167,683
Prepaid expenses and other assets.............................. 17,901 19,899
-------------- --------------
Total assets............................................. $ 2,808,039 $ 2,654,141
-------------- --------------
-------------- --------------
Liabilities and Stockholder's Equity
Liabilities:
Unearned premiums.............................................. $ 645,742 $ 681,816
Losses and loss adjustment expenses............................ 72,805 72,616
Ceded reinsurance payable...................................... 3,391 10,561
Accounts payable and accrued expenses.......................... 44,921 54,165
Due to parent.................................................. -- 1,791
Current federal income taxes payable........................... (6,985) 52,016
Deferred federal income taxes payable.......................... 126,712 91,805
Payable for securities purchased............................... 33,843 4,937
-------------- --------------
Total liabilities........................................ 920,429 969,707
-------------- --------------
Stockholder's Equity:
Common stock, par value $1,500 per share
at September 30, 1997 and at December 31, 1996:
10,000 shares authorized, issued and outstanding............. 15,000 15,000
Additional paid-in capital..................................... 383,511 334,011
Net unrealized gains on fixed maturity
securities available for sale, net of tax.................... 64,347 39,160
Foreign currency translation adjustment........................ (231) (429)
Retained earnings.............................................. 1,424,983 1,296,692
-------------- --------------
Total stockholder's equity............................... 1,887,610 1,684,434
-------------- --------------
Total liabilities and stockholder's equity............... $ 2,808,039 $ 2,654,141
-------------- --------------
-------------- --------------
</TABLE>
See accompanying notes to interim financial statements
1
<PAGE>
Financial Guaranty Insurance Statement Of Income
Company
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
($ in Thousands)
NINE MONTHS ENDED
SEPTEMBER 30,
------------------------
1997 1996
----------- -----------
(UNAUDITED)
Revenues:
Gross premiums written............................... $ 69,164 $ 65,875
Ceded premiums....................................... (14,648) (14,178)
--------- ---------
Net premiums written................................. 54,516 51,697
Decrease in net unearned premiums.................... 29,970 39,589
--------- ---------
Net premiums earned.................................. 84,486 91,286
Net investment income................................ 95,346 92,957
Net realized gains................................... 12,514 11,132
--------- ---------
Total revenues..................................... 192,346 195,375
--------- ---------
Expenses:
Losses and loss adjustment expenses.................. 6,459 (2,078)
Policy acquisition costs............................. 13,115 13,056
Other underwriting expenses.......................... 11,050 10,582
--------- ---------
Total expenses..................................... 30,624 21,560
--------- ---------
Income before provision for federal income taxes... 161,722 173,815
Provision for federal income taxes................... 33,431 37,566
--------- ---------
Net income......................................... $ 128,291 $ 136,249
--------- ---------
--------- ---------
See accompanying notes to interim financial statements
2
<PAGE>
Financial Guaranty Insurance Statement Of Cash Flow
Company
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
($ in Thousands)
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
NINE MONTHS ENDED
SEPTEMBER 30,
------------------------
1997 1996
----------- -----------
(UNAUDITED)
<S> <C> <C>
Operating activities:
Net income.......................................................... $ 128,291 $ 136,249
Adjustments to reconcile net income to
net cash provided by operating activities:
Provision for deferred income taxes............................... 214 3,155
Amortization of fixed maturity securities......................... 1,210 606
Policy acquisition costs deferred................................. (9,908) (11,864)
Amortization of deferred policy acquisition costs................. 13,115 13,056
Depreciation of fixed assets...................................... 1,629 1,843
Change in reinsurance receivable.................................. (1,256) 254
Change in prepaid reinsurance premiums............................ 6,105 2,581
Foreign currency translation adjustment........................... 305 (1,226)
Change in accrued investment income,
prepaid expenses and other assets............................... 3,214 14,140
Change in unearned premiums....................................... (36,074) (42,171)
Change in losses and loss adjustment expense reserves............. 189 (5,681)
Change in other liabilities....................................... (18,205) 24,749
Change in current income taxes payable............................ (59,001) 27,522
Net realized gains on investments................................. (12,514) (11,132)
----------- -----------
Net cash provided by operating activities........................... 17,314 152,081
----------- -----------
Investing activities:
Sales or maturities of fixed maturity securities.................... 602,067 633,347
Purchases of fixed maturity securities.............................. (610,873) (727,641)
Sales or maturities (purchases) of short-term investments, net...... (57,685) (56,428)
Purchases of property and equipment, net............................ (484) (561)
----------- -----------
Net cash used for investing activities.............................. (66,975) (151,283)
Financing activities
Capital Contributions............................................... 49,500 --
----------- -----------
Increase in cash.................................................... (161) 798
Cash at beginning of period......................................... 860 199
----------- -----------
Cash at end of period............................................... $ 699 $ 997
----------- -----------
----------- -----------
</TABLE>
See accompanying notes to interim financial statements
3
<PAGE>
Financial Guaranty Insurance Notes to Financial Statements
Company
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
September 30, 1997 AND 1996
(Unaudited)
(1) BASIS OF PRESENTATION
The interim financial statements of Financial Guaranty Insurance Company
(the Company) in this report reflect all adjustments necessary, in the
opinion of management, for a fair statement of (a) results of operations for
the nine months ended September 30, 1997 and 1996, (b) the financial position
at September 30, 1997 and December 31, 1996, and (c) cash flows for the nine
months ended September 30, 1997 and 1996.
These interim financial statements should be read in conjunction with the
financial statements and related notes included in the 1996 audited financial
statements.
The preparation of financial statements in conformity with generally
accepted accounting principles requires management to make estimates and
assumptions that effect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and
disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial
statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the
reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates.
(2) STATUTORY ACCOUNTING PRACTICES
The financial statements are prepared on the basis of GAAP, which differs
in certain respects from accounting practices prescribed or permitted by
state insurance regulatory authorities. The following are the significant
ways in which statutory basis accounting practices differ from GAAP:
(a) premiums are earned directly in proportion to the scheduled principal
and interest payments rather than in proportion to the total exposure
outstanding at any point in time;
(b) policy acquisition costs are charged to current operations as incurred
rather than as related premiums are earned;
(c) a contingency reserve is computed on the basis of statutory
requirements for the security of all policyholders, regardless of
whether loss contingencies actually exist, whereas under GAAP, a
reserve is established based on an ultimate estimate of exposure;
(d) certain assets designated as "non-admitted assets" are charged
directly against surplus but are reflected as assets under GAAP,
if recoverable;
(e) federal income taxes are only provided with respect to taxable income
for which income taxes are currently payable, while under GAAP taxes
are also provided for differences between the financial reporting and
tax bases of assets and liabilities;
(f) purchases of tax and loss bonds are reflected as admitted assets,
while under GAAP they are recorded as federal income tax payments;
and
(g) all fixed income investments are carried at amortized cost, rather
than at fair value for securities classified as "Available for Sale"
under GAAP.
4
<PAGE>
Financial Guaranty Insurance Notes to Financial Statements
Company
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The following is a reconciliation of the net income and stockholder's
equity of Financial Guaranty prepared on a GAAP basis to the corresponding
amounts reported on a statutory basis for the periods indicated below:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
NINE MONTHS ENDED SEPTEMBER 30,
------------------------------------------------------
1997 1996
-------------------------- --------------------------
NET STOCKHOLDER'S NET STOCKHOLDER'S
INCOME EQUITY INCOME EQUITY
----------- ------------- ----------- -------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
GAAP basis amount....................................... $ 128,291 $ 1,887,611 $ 136,249 $ 1,631,887
Premium revenue recognition............................. (4,363) (180,648) (6,742) (173,669)
Deferral of acquisition costs........................... 3,207 (88,738) 1,192 (93,676)
Contingency reserve..................................... -- (501,023) -- (428,798)
Non-admitted assets..................................... -- (3,086) -- (4,314)
Case-basis losses incurred.............................. 1,037 (2,212) (3,854) (3,906)
Portfolio loss reserves................................. 5,000 29,000 -- 24,000
Deferral of income tax.................................. 211 71,035 3,155 67,550
Unrealized gains on fixed maturity securities
held at fair value, net of taxes..................... -- (64,347) -- (12,340)
Profit commission....................................... (735) (6,920) 1,234 (4,510)
Contingency reserve tax deduction....................... -- 95,185 -- 85,087
Allocation of tax benefits due to Parent's
net operating loss to the Company.................... 235 10,838 (2) 10,289
----------- ------------- ----------- -------------
Statutory basis amount.................................. $ 132,883 $ 1,246,695 $ 131,232 $ 1,097,600
----------- ------------- ----------- -------------
----------- ------------- ----------- -------------
</TABLE>
5
<PAGE>
Financial Guaranty Insurance Company Notes to Financial Statements
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
September 30, 1997 and 1996
(Unaudited)
(3) DIVIDENDS
Under New York Insurance Law, the Company may pay a dividend only from
earned surplus subject to the following limitations:
- - Statutory surplus after dividends may not be less than the minimum required
paid-in capital, which was $66.4 million in 1996.
- - Dividends may not exceed the lesser of 10 percent of its surplus or 100
percent of adjusted net investment income, as defined therein, for the
twelve month period ending on the preceding December 31, without the
prior approval of the Superintendent of the New York State Insurance
Department.
The amount of the Company's surplus available for dividends during 1997 is
approximately $124.7 million.
(4) INCOME TAXES
The Company's effective Federal corporate tax rate (20.7 percent and 21.6
percent for the three months ended September 30, 1997 and 1996, respectively) is
less than the statutory corporate tax rate (35 percent in 1997 and 1996) on
ordinary income due to permanent differences between financial and taxable
income, principally tax-exempt interest.
(5) REINSURANCE
In accordance with Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 113
("SFAS 113"), "Accounting and Reporting for Reinsurance of Short-Duration and
Long-Duration Contracts", the Company reports assets and liabilities relating to
reinsured contracts gross of the effects of reinsurance. Net premiums earned are
shown net of premiums ceded of $20.8 million and $16.8 million, respectively,
for the nine months ended September 30, 1997 and 1996.
(5) CAPITAL CONTRIBUTION
During 1997, FGIC Corporation made a capital contribution of $49.5 million
to the Company.
6
<PAGE>
PROSPECTUS
Dated November 25, 1997
EquiVantage Acceptance Corp.
Sponsor
$500,000,000
Mortgage Loan Asset-Backed Securities
(Issuable in Series)
This Prospectus describes certain Mortgage Loan Asset-Backed Securities
(the "Securities") that may be issued from time to time in series and certain
classes of which may be offered hereby from time to time as described in the
related Prospectus Supplement. Each series of Securities will be issued by a
separate trust (each, a "Trust"). The assets of each Trust will consist of a
segregated pool (a "Mortgage Pool") of mortgage loans secured by first and
junior liens on one- to four-family residential properties (the "Mortgage
Loans") to be acquired by such Trust from EquiVantage Acceptance Corp. (the
"Sponsor"), together with related accounts, insurance policies and any other
types of credit enhancement described herein and in the related Prospectus
Supplement. The Mortgage Loans were or will be acquired by the Sponsor from
affiliated or unaffiliated entities as described herein. See "The Mortgage
Pools" herein.
The Mortgage Loans in each Mortgage Pool and the other assets described
herein (collectively with respect to each Trust, the "Trust Estate") will be
held by the related Trust for the benefit of the holders of the related
series of Securities (the "Securityholders") pursuant to a Pooling and
Servicing Agreement to the extent and as more fully described herein and in
the related Prospectus Supplement. Each Mortgage Pool will consist of one or
more of the various types of Mortgage Loans described under "The Mortgage
Pools" herein.
(continued on next page)
______________________________
PROSPECTIVE INVESTORS SHOULD REVIEW THE INFORMATION APPEARING HEREIN UNDER
THE CAPTION "RISK FACTORS" BEGINNING ON PAGE 16 BEFORE PURCHASING ANY
SECURITIES.
______________________________
THE ASSETS OF THE RELATED TRUST ARE THE SOLE SOURCE OF PAYMENTS ON THE RELATED
SECURITIES. THE SECURITIES DO NOT REPRESENT AN INTEREST IN OR OBLIGATION OF
THE SPONSOR, THE SERVICER, ANY ORIGINATOR OR ANY OF THEIR AFFILIATES,
EXCEPT AS SET FORTH HEREIN AND IN THE RELATED PROSPECTUS
SUPPLEMENT. NEITHER THE SECURITIES NOR THE UNDERLYING
MORTGAGE LOANS WILL BE GUARANTEED OR INSURED BY
ANY GOVERNMENTAL AGENCY OR INSTRUMENTALITY OR
BY THE SPONSOR, THE SERVICER, ANY
ORIGINATOR OR ANY OF THEIR
AFFILIATES.
THESE SECURITIES HAVE NOT BEEN APPROVED OR DISAPPROVED BY THE SECURITIES
AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION OR ANY STATE SECURITIES COMMISSION NOR HAS THE
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.
______________________________
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.
Retain this Prospectus for future reference. This Prospectus may not be
used to consummate sales of any series unless accompanied by a
Prospectus Supplement.
<PAGE>
(continued from previous page)
Each series of Securities will include one or more classes. The
Securities of any particular class may represent beneficial ownership
interests in the related Mortgage Loans held by the related Trust, or may
represent debt secured by such Mortgage Loans, as described herein and in the
related Prospectus Supplement. A series may include one or more classes of
Securities entitled to principal distributions, with disproportionate,
nominal or no interest distributions, or to interest distributions, with
disproportionate, nominal or no principal distributions. The rights of one
or more classes of Securities of any series may be senior or subordinate to
the rights of one or more of the other classes of Securities. A series may
include two or more classes of Securities that differ as to the timing,
sequential order, priority of payment, interest rate or amount of
distributions of principal or interest or both. As described more fully
under "Summary of Prospectus - The Securities - General Nature of the
Securities as Investments" herein, only Fixed Income Securities will be
offered hereby; no Equity Securities will be offered hereby or by the related
Prospectus Supplement. Information regarding each class of Securities of a
series, and certain characteristics of the Mortgage Loans to be evidenced by
such Securities, will be set forth in the related Prospectus Supplement.
If so specified in the related Prospectus Supplement, the Trust Estate
for a series of Securities may include any combination of a mortgage pool
insurance policy, letter of credit, financial guaranty insurance policy,
bankruptcy bond, special hazard insurance policy, reserve fund or other form
of credit enhancement. In addition to or in lieu of the foregoing, credit
enhancement with respect to certain classes of Securities of any series may
be provided by means of subordination, cross-support among Mortgage Assets or
over-collateralization. See "Description of Credit Enhancement" herein.
The only obligations of the Sponsor, the Servicer and the related
Originators with respect to a series of Securities will be pursuant to the
servicing requirements relating thereto, and pursuant to certain
representations and warranties made by the Sponsor or by such Originators,
except to the extent additional obligations, if any, of the Sponsor, the
Servicer or the related Originators are described in the related Prospectus
Supplement. EquiVantage Inc., the parent of the Sponsor, will act as
Servicer (the "Servicer"), directly or through one or more sub-servicers (the
"Sub-Servicer(s)"), of the Mortgage Loans. The principal obligations of the
Servicer will be its contractual servicing obligations (which include its
limited obligation to make certain advances in the event of delinquencies in
payments on the Mortgage Loans and interest shortfalls due to prepayment of
Mortgage Loans). See "Description of the Securities" herein.
The rate of payment of principal of each class of Securities entitled to
principal payments will depend on the priority of payment of such class and
the rate of payment (including prepayments, defaults, liquidations and
repurchases of Mortgage Loans) of the related Mortgage Loans. A rate of
principal payment lower or higher than that anticipated may affect the yield
on each class of Securities in the manner described herein and in the related
Prospectus Supplement. The various types of Securities, the different
classes of such Securities and certain types of Mortgage Loans in a given
Mortgage Pool may have different prepayment risks and credit risks. The
Prospectus Supplement for a series of Securities will contain information as
to (i) types, maturities and certain statistical information relating to
credit risks of the Mortgage Loans in the related Mortgage Pool, (ii)
projected prepayment and yields based upon certain specified assumptions for
a series of Securities and (iii) priority of payment and maturity dates of
the Securities. See "Yield Considerations" herein. A Trust may be subject
to early termination under the circumstances described herein and in the
related Prospectus Supplement.
One or more separate elections may be made to treat a Trust, or one or
more segregated pools of assets held by such Trust, as a real estate mortgage
investment conduit ("REMIC") for federal income tax purposes. If applicable,
the Prospectus Supplement for a series of Securities will specify which class
or classes of the related series of Securities will be considered to be
regular interests in a REMIC and which classes of Securities or other
interests will be designated as the residual interest in a REMIC.
Alternatively, a Trust may be treated as a grantor trust or as a partnership
for federal income tax purposes, or may be treated for federal income tax
purposes as a mere security device that constitutes a collateral arrangement
for the issuance of secured debt. See "Material Federal Income Tax
Consequences" herein.
Offers of the Securities may be made through one or more different
methods, including offerings through underwriters, as more fully described
under "Methods of Distribution" herein and in the related Prospectus
Supplement.
2
<PAGE>
There will be no secondary market for any series of Securities prior to the
offering thereof and the Securities will not be listed on any national
securities exchange. There can be no assurance that a secondary market for
any of the Securities will develop or, if it does develop, that it will offer
sufficient liquidity of investment or will continue.
Reference is made to the Index of Principal Definitions at the end of
this Prospectus for the location in this Prospectus of the definitions of
certain capitalized terms used herein.
Until 90 days after the date of each Prospectus Supplement, all dealers
effecting transactions in the 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
The Prospectus Supplement relating to a series of Securities to be
offered hereunder, among other things, will set forth with respect to such
series of Securities: (i) a description of the class or classes of such
Securities; (ii) the rate of interest, the Pass-Through Rate or other
applicable rate (or the manner of determining such rate) and authorized
denominations of each class of such Securities; (iii) certain information
concerning the Mortgage Loans and insurance policies, cash accounts, letters
of credit, financial guaranty insurance policies, third party guarantees or
other forms of credit enhancement, if any, relating to one or more Mortgage
Pools or all or part of the related Securities; (iv) the specified interest
of each class of Securities in, and manner and priority of, the distributions
on the Mortgage Loans; (v) information as to the nature and extent of
subordination with respect to such series of Securities, if any; (vi) the
Payment Dates; (vii) the amount, if any, deposited in the Pre-Funding
Account, the criteria for determining which additional Mortgage Loans may
become assets of the related Trust and the length of the specified period
during which any such transfers must occur; (viii) the circumstances, if any,
under which each Trust may be subject to early termination; (ix) whether a
REMIC election will be made and the designation of the regular and residual
interest therein; and (x) additional information with respect to the plan of
distribution of such Securities.
AVAILABLE INFORMATION
The Sponsor has filed a Registration Statement under the Securities Act
of 1933, as amended, with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the
"Commission") with respect to the Securities. The Registration Statement and
amendments thereof and the exhibits thereto may be inspected at the Public
Reference Room of the Commission at 450 Fifth Street, N.W., Washington, D.C.
20549, and at the Commission's regional offices at Seven World Trade Center,
13th Floor, New York, New York 10048, and Citicorp Center, 500 West Madison
Street, Suite 1400, Chicago, Illinois 60661. Copies of such materials can
also be obtained at prescribed rates from the Public Reference Section of the
Commission at 450 Fifth Street, N.W., Washington, D.C. 20549. Electronic
filings made through the Electronic Data Gathering, Analysis, and Retrieval
System are publicly available through the Commission's Web Site
(http://www.sec.gov).
No person has been authorized to give any information or to make any
representation regarding the series of Securities referred to in the
accompanying Prospectus Supplement other than those contained or incorporated
by reference in this Prospectus and such Prospectus Supplement with respect
to such series and, if given or made, such information or representations
must not be relied upon. This Prospectus and the accompanying Prospectus
Supplement do not constitute an offer to sell or a solicitation of an offer
to buy any securities other than the Securities offered hereby and thereby
nor an offer of the Securities to any person in any state or other
jurisdiction in which such offer would be unlawful. The delivery of this
Prospectus at any time does not imply that information herein is correct as
of any time subsequent to its date.
INCORPORATION OF CERTAIN DOCUMENTS BY REFERENCE
All documents filed by each respective trust pursuant to Sections 13(a),
13(c), 14 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the
"Exchange Act"), subsequent to the date of this Prospectus and prior to the
termination of the offering of the securities of such trust offered hereby
shall be deemed to be incorporated by reference
3
<PAGE>
into this Prospectus when delivered with respect to such trust. Any
statement contained in a document incorporated or deemed to be incorporated
by reference herein shall be deemed to be modified or superseded for purposes
of this Prospectus to the extent that a statement contained herein or in any
other subsequently filed document that also is or is deemed to be
incorporated by reference herein modifies or supersedes such statement. Any
statement so modified or superseded shall not be deemed, except as so
modified or superseded, to constitute a part of this Prospectus.
Any person receiving a copy of this Prospectus may obtain, without
charge, upon written or oral request, a copy of any of the documents
incorporated by reference herein, except for the exhibits to such documents
(other than the documents expressly incorporated therein by reference).
Requests should be directed to EquiVantage Acceptance Corp., 13111 Northwest
Freeway, Suite 301, Houston, Texas 77040 (telephone number 713/ 895-1957).
No information that relates to any series of Securities other than the
series referred to in the accompanying Prospectus Supplement shall be deemed
to be incorporated by reference in this Prospectus.
REPORTS TO SECURITYHOLDERS
Monthly and annual reports concerning any Securities and the related
assets included in the Trust will be sent by the Trustee to all related
Securityholders. See "Description of the Securities -- Reports to
Securityholders" herein. If the Securities of a series are to be issued in
book-entry form, such reports will be sent to the Securityholder of record,
and beneficial owners of such Securities will have to rely on the procedures
described herein under "Description of the Securities - Form of Securities"
to obtain such reports. The Trustee will file periodic reports with the
Commission concerning each series of Securities only for so long as such
reports are required to be so filed. The Trustee does not intend to file
periodic reports with the Commission concerning any series of Securities
after completion of the reporting period specified by Rule 15d-1 under the
Exchange Act.
4
<PAGE>
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Caption Page
- ------- ----
SUMMARY OF PROSPECTUS............................................ 6
RISK FACTORS..................................................... 16
Limited Liquidity............................................ 16
Obligations Limited to Trust Estate.......................... 16
Limitations, Reduction and Substitution of
Credit Enhancement......................................... 16
Risks Related to the Mortgage Loans - Decline in Property
Values and Non-Standard Loan Terms......................... 17
Litigation................................................... 19
Geographic Concentration of Mortgaged Properties............. 19
Applicability of State and Federal Lending Laws.............. 19
Yield and Prepayment Considerations.......................... 20
Book-Entry Registration - Limited Liquidity and
Delays in Distribution..................................... 20
The Status of the Mortgage Loans in the Event of Bankruptcy
of the Sponsor or an Originator - Payment Delays........... 21
Limitations on Interest Payments and Foreclosures............ 21
Rating of Securities Dependent on Credit Enhancement......... 21
Liability of Trust for Indemnification - Reduction of
Trust Assets and Credit Enhancement........................ 21
THE TRUSTS....................................................... 22
The Mortgage Loans - General................................. 22
THE MORTGAGE POOLS............................................... 25
General...................................................... 25
The Mortgage Pools........................................... 26
MORTGAGE LOAN PROGRAM............................................ 27
The Sponsor's Underwriting Process........................... 27
Bulk Guidelines.............................................. 29
Qualifications of Originators................................ 29
Representations by the Sponsor and Originators............... 30
Sub-Servicing................................................ 31
DESCRIPTION OF THE SECURITIES.................................... 33
General...................................................... 33
General Payment Terms of Securities.......................... 34
Form of Securities........................................... 35
Assignment of Mortgage Loans................................. 36
Forward Commitments; Pre-Funding............................. 37
Payments on Mortgage Loans; Deposits to
Distribution Account....................................... 38
Withdrawals from the Principal and Interest Account.......... 41
Distributions................................................ 42
Principal and Interest on the Securities..................... 42
Advances..................................................... 43
Reports to Securityholders................................... 44
Collection and Other Servicing Procedures.................... 45
Realization upon Defaulted Mortgage Loans.................... 46
SUBORDINATION.................................................... 47
DESCRIPTION OF CREDIT ENHANCEMENT................................ 49
Letter of Credit............................................. 49
Mortgage Pool Insurance Policies............................. 50
Special Hazard Insurance Policies............................ 50
Bankruptcy Bonds............................................. 50
Reserve Funds................................................ 51
Financial Guaranty Insurance Policies........................ 51
Other Insurance, Guarantees and
Similar Instruments or Agreements.......................... 51
Cross-Collateralization...................................... 52
Overcollateralization........................................ 52
Maintenance of Credit Enhancement............................ 52
Reduction or Substitution of Credit Enhancement.............. 53
HAZARD INSURANCE; CLAIMS THEREUNDER.............................. 53
Hazard Insurance Policies.................................... 54
Caption Page
- ------- ----
THE SPONSOR...................................................... 54
THE SERVICER..................................................... 54
THE POOLING AND SERVICING AGREEMENT.............................. 55
Servicing and Other Compensation and Payment
of Expenses; Originator's Retained Yield................... 55
Evidence as to Compliance.................................... 55
Removal and Resignation of the Servicer...................... 56
Rights upon Event of Default................................. 56
Amendment.................................................... 57
Termination; Retirement of Securities........................ 57
The Trustee.................................................. 58
YIELD CONSIDERATIONS............................................. 58
MATURITY AND PREPAYMENT CONSIDERATIONS........................... 60
CERTAIN LEGAL ASPECTS OF MORTGAGE
LOANS AND RELATED MATTERS...................................... 62
General...................................................... 62
Cooperative Loans............................................ 62
Foreclosure.................................................. 63
Foreclosure on Shares of Cooperatives........................ 64
Rights of Redemption......................................... 65
Anti-Deficiency Legislation and Other
Limitations on Lenders..................................... 65
Environmental Considerations................................. 66
Enforceability of Certain Provisions......................... 67
Applicability of Usury Laws.................................. 68
Alternative Mortgage Instruments............................. 68
Soldiers' and Sailors' Civil Relief Act of 1940.............. 68
MATERIAL FEDERAL INCOME TAX
CONSEQUENCES................................................... 69
General...................................................... 69
Grantor Trust Securities..................................... 69
REMIC Securities............................................. 71
Debt Securities.............................................. 76
Discount and Premium......................................... 77
Backup Withholding........................................... 80
Foreign Investors............................................ 80
STATE TAX CONSIDERATIONS......................................... 81
ERISA CONSIDERATIONS............................................. 81
Plan Asset Regulations....................................... 81
Prohibited Transaction Class Exemption....................... 82
Tax Exempt Investors......................................... 83
Consultation with Counsel.................................... 83
LEGAL INVESTMENT MATTERS......................................... 84
SMMEA........................................................ 84
FFIEC PolicyStatement........................................ 84
General...................................................... 84
USE OF PROCEEDS.................................................. 85
METHODS OF DISTRIBUTION.......................................... 85
LEGAL MATTERS.................................................... 86
FINANCIAL INFORMATION............................................ 86
RATING........................................................... 86
INDEX OF PRINCIPAL DEFINITIONS................................... 87
5
<PAGE>
SUMMARY OF PROSPECTUS
The following summary of certain pertinent information is
qualified in its entirety by reference to the 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. Capitalized terms used in this summary
that are not otherwise defined shall have the meanings ascribed
thereto in this Prospectus. An index indicating where certain terms
used herein are defined appears at the end of this Prospectus.
Securities Offered......Mortgage Loan Asset-Backed Securities issuable in
series.
Sponsor of the Trusts EquiVantage Acceptance Corp. See "The Sponsor"
herein.
Originators.............The Sponsor will acquire the Mortgage Loans from one
or more institutions, including the Servicer,
affiliated with the Sponsor ("Affiliated
Originators") or institutions unaffiliated with the
Sponsor ("Unaffiliated Originators") (the Affiliated
Originators and the Unaffiliated Originators
collectively referred to as the "Originators").
Servicer
Sub-Servicers...........EquiVantage Inc. See "The Servicer" herein.
If so specified in the related Prospectus Supplement,
Originators may act as Sub-Servicers for Mortgage
Loans acquired by the Sponsor from such Originators.
In addition, third-party contract servicers may act
as Sub-Servicers. See "Mortgage Loan Program -
Sub-Servicing" herein.
Trustee.................The trustee (the "Trustee") for each series of
Securities will be specified in the related
Prospectus Supplement.
The Securities..........Issuance of Securities. Each series of Securities
will be issued at the direction of the Sponsor by
a separate trust (each, a "Trust"). The assets of
each Trust will consist of a segregated pool (each
a "Mortgage Pool") of mortgage loans secured by
first and junior liens on one- to four-family
residential properties, including units in
condominiums, manufactured housing that
constitutes real property under applicable state
law and units in cooperative apartments
("Cooperative Loans") (collectively, the "Mortgage
Loans"), acquired by such Trust from the Sponsor,
together with related accounts, insurance policies
and any other types of credit enhancement
described herein and in the related Prospectus
Supplement. The Sponsor will acquire the Mortgage
Loans from one or more of the Originators. The
Securities issued by any Trust may represent
beneficial ownership interests in the related
Mortgage Loans held by the related Trust, or may
represent debt secured by such Mortgage Loans, as
described herein and in the related Prospectus
Supplement. Securities that represent beneficial
ownership interests in the related Trust will be
referred to as "Certificates" in the related
Prospectus Supplement; Securities that
6
<PAGE>
represent debt issued by the related Trust will be
referred to as "Notes" in the related Prospectus
Supplement.
Each Trust will be established pursuant to an
agreement (each, a "Trust Agreement") by and between
the Sponsor and the Trustee named therein. Each
Trust Agreement will describe the related pool of
assets to be held in trust (each such asset pool, the
"Trust Estate"), which will include the related
Mortgage Loans and, if so specified in the related
Prospectus Supplement, may include any combination of
a mortgage pool insurance policy, letter of credit,
financial guaranty insurance policy, special hazard
policy, reserve fund or other form of credit
enhancement.
The Mortgage Loans held by each Trust
will be serviced by the Servicer pursuant to a
servicing agreement (each, a "Servicing Agreement")
by and between the Servicer and the related Trustee.
With respect to Securities that represent debt issued
by the related Trust, the related Trust will enter
into an indenture (each, an "Indenture") by and
between such Trust and the trustee named on such
Indenture (the "Indenture Trustee"), as set forth in
the related Prospectus Supplement. Securities that
represent beneficial ownership interests in the
related Trust will be issued pursuant to the related
Trust Agreement.
In the case of any individual Trust, the contractual
arrangements relating to the establishment of the
Trust, the servicing of the related Mortgage Loans
and the issuance of the related Securities may be
contained in a single agreement, or in several
agreements that combine certain aspects of the Trust
Agreement, the Servicing Agreement and the Indenture
described above (for example, a pooling and servicing
agreement, or a servicing and collateral management
agreement). For purposes of this Prospectus, the
term "Pooling and Servicing Agreement" as used with
respect to a Trust means, collectively, and except as
otherwise specified, any and all agreements relating
to the establishment of the related Trust, the
servicing of the related Mortgage Loans and the
issuance of the related Securities.
Securities Will Be Recourse to the Assets of the
Related Trust Only. The sole source of payment for
any series of Securities will be the assets of the
related Trust (i.e., the related Trust Estate). The
Securities will not be obligations, either recourse
or non-recourse (except for certain non-recourse debt
described herein under "Material Federal Income Tax
Consequences"), of the Sponsor, the Servicer, any
Originator or any person other than the related
Trust. In the case of Securities that represent
beneficial ownership interests in the related Trust
Estate, such Securities will represent the ownership
of such Trust Estate; with respect to Securities that
represent debt issued by the related Trust, such
Securities will be secured by the related Trust
Estate. Notwithstanding the
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foregoing, and as to be described in the related
Prospectus Supplement, certain types of credit
enhancement, such as a financial guaranty insurance
policy or a letter of credit, may constitute a full
recourse obligation of the issuer of such credit
enhancement.
Obligor Concentration. The Sponsor does not expect
that the assets of any Trust (exclusive of any form
of credit enhancement, as described below) will
represent more than a de minimis level of obligor
concentration (or concentration among any affiliated
group of obligors). In the event that any Trust
includes a loan or group of loans with the same
obligor or affiliated group of obligors that
represent 20% or more of the principal amount of
Securities issued with respect to such Trust, the
related Prospectus Supplement will contain the
financial statements of such obligor or affiliated
group as may be required by the rules of the
Securities and Exchange Commission (the
"Commission"). In the event that any Trust includes
a loan or group of loans with the same obligor or
affiliated group of obligors that represent more than
10% but less than 20% of the principal amount of
Securities issued with respect to such Trust, the
related Prospectus Supplement will contain such
information, including financial information,
sufficient to enable investors to assess the credit
quality of such loan(s).
General Nature of the Securities as Investments.
Securities will consist of two basic types: (i)
Securities of the fixed-income type ("Fixed-Income
Securities") and (ii) Securities of the equity
participation type ("Equity Securities"). No Class
of Equity Securities will be offered pursuant to this
Prospectus or any Prospectus Supplement related
hereto. Fixed-Income Securities will generally be
styled as debt instruments, having a principal
balance and a specified interest rate ("Interest
Rate"). Fixed-Income Securities may be either
beneficial ownership interests in the related
Mortgage Loans held by the related Trust, or may
represent debt secured by such Mortgage Loans. Each
series or class of Fixed-Income Securities may have a
different Interest Rate, which may be a fixed or
adjustable Interest Rate. The related Prospectus
Supplement will specify the Interest Rate for each
series or class of Fixed-Income Securities, or the
initial Interest Rate and the method for determining
subsequent changes to the Interest Rate.
A series may include one or more classes of
Fixed-Income Securities ("Strip Securities") entitled
(i) to principal distributions, with
disproportionate, nominal or no interest
distributions, or (ii) to interest distributions,
with disproportionate, nominal or no principal
distributions. In addition, a series may include two
or more classes of Fixed-Income Securities that
differ as to timing, sequential order, priority of
payment, Interest Rate or amount of distributions of
principal or interest or both, or as to which
distributions of principal or interest or both on any
class may be made upon the occurrence of specified
events, in accordance with
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a schedule or formula, or on the basis of collections
from designated portions of the related Mortgage
Pool, which series may include one or more classes of
Fixed-Income Securities ("Accrual Securities"), as to
which certain accrued interest will not be
distributed but rather will be added to the principal
balance (or nominal principal balance, in the case of
Accrual Securities that are also Strip Securities)
thereof on each Payment Date in the manner described
in the related Prospectus Supplement.
If so provided in the related Prospectus Supplement,
a series of Securities may include one or more other
classes of Fixed-Income Securities (collectively, the
"Senior Securities") that are senior to one or more
other classes of Fixed-Income Securities
(collectively, the "Subordinate Securities") in
respect of certain distributions of principal and
interest and allocations of losses on Mortgage Loans.
In addition, certain classes of Senior (or
Subordinate) Securities may be senior to other
classes of Senior (or Subordinate) Securities in
respect of such distributions or losses.
Equity Securities will represent the right to receive
the proceeds of the related Trust Estate after all
required payments have been made to the
Securityholders of the related Fixed-Income
Securities (both Senior Securities and Subordinate
Securities), and following any required deposits to
any reserve account that may be established for the
benefit of the Fixed-Income Securities. Equity
Securities may constitute what are commonly referred
to as the "residual interest," "seller's interest" or
the "general partnership interest," depending upon
the treatment of the related Trust for federal income
tax purposes. As distinguished from the Fixed-Income
Securities, the Equity Securities will not be styled
as having principal and interest components. Any
losses suffered by the related Trust will first be
absorbed by the related class of Equity Securities,
as described herein and in the related Prospectus
Supplement.
No Class of Equity Securities will be offered
pursuant to this Prospectus or any Prospectus
Supplement related hereto. Equity Securities may be
offered on a private placement basis or pursuant to a
separate Registration Statement to be filed by the
Sponsor. In addition, the Sponsor and its affiliates
may initially or permanently hold any Equity
Securities issued by any Trust.
General Payment Terms of Securities. As provided in
the related Pooling and Servicing Agreement and as
described in the related Prospectus Supplement,
Securityholders will be entitled to receive payments
on their Securities on specified dates ("Payment
Dates"). Payment Dates with respect to Fixed-Income
Securities will occur monthly, quarterly or
semiannually, as described in the related Prospectus
Supplement; Payment Dates with respect to Equity
Securities will occur as described in the related
Prospectus Supplement.
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The related Prospectus Supplement will describe a
date (the "Record Date") preceding each Payment Date,
as of which the Trustee or its paying agent will fix
the identity of the Securityholders for the purpose
of receiving payments on the next succeeding Payment
Date.
Each Pooling and Servicing Agreement will describe a
period (a "Remittance Period" or "Due Period")
antecedent to each Payment Date; collections received
on or with respect to the related Mortgage Loans
during the related Remittance Period will be required
to be remitted by the Servicer to the related Trustee
prior to the related Payment Date, and will be used
to fund payments to Securityholders on such Payment
Date. As may be described in the related Prospectus
Supplement, the related Pooling and Servicing
Agreement may provide that all or a portion of the
principal collected on or with respect to the related
Mortgage Loans may be applied by the related Trustee
to the acquisition of additional Mortgage Loans
during a specified period (rather than be used to
fund payments of principal to Securityholders during
such period) with the result that the related
Securities will possess an interest-only period, also
commonly referred to as a revolving period, which
will be followed by an amortization period.
In addition, and as may be described in the related
Prospectus Supplement, the related Pooling and
Servicing Agreement may provide that all or a portion
of such collected principal may be retained by the
Trustee (and held in certain temporary investments,
including Mortgage Loans) for a specified period
prior to being used to fund payments of principal to
Securityholders. The result of such retention and
temporary investment by the Trustee of such principal
would be to slow the amortization rate of the related
Securities relative to the amortization rate of the
related Mortgage Loans, or to attempt to match the
amortization rate of the related Securities to an
amortization schedule established at the time such
Securities are issued.
Any interest-only or revolving period may, upon the
occurrence of defaults or certain other events by the
Sponsor or Servicer, all as more particularly
described herein under "Description of the Securities
- General Payment Terms of Securities" and "Maturity
and Prepayment Considerations" and in the related
Prospectus Supplement, terminate prior to the end of
the specified period and result in the earlier than
expected amortization of the related Securities.
Similarly, any feature for retention and investment
of collections applicable to any Securities may
terminate upon the occurrence of such events, as more
particularly described herein under "Description of
the Securities - General Payment Terms of Securities"
and "Maturity and Prepayment Considerations" and in
the related Prospectus Supplement, resulting in the
current distribution of principal payments to the
specified Securityholders and an acceleration of the
amortization of such Securities.
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The Securities and the underlying Mortgage Loans will
not be guaranteed or insured by any governmental
agency or instrumentality or the Sponsor, the
Servicer, any Sub-Servicer, if applicable, any
Originator or any of their affiliates.
No Investment
Companies Neither the Sponsor nor any Trust will register as an
"investment company" under the Investment Company Act
of 1940, as amended (the "Investment Company Act").
Cross-
Collateralization As more fully described in the related Pooling
and Servicing Agreement and the related Prospectus
Supplement, the primary and, in some cases, the only
source of payment for Securities of each series will
be the assets of the related Trust Estate. However,
as may be described in the related Prospectus
Supplement, a Trust Estate may include the right to
receive moneys from a common pool of credit
enhancement that may be available for more than one
series of Securities, such as a master reserve
account or a master insurance policy.
Notwithstanding the foregoing, no collections on any
Mortgage Loans held by any Trust may be applied to
the payment of Securities issued by any other Trust
(except to the limited extent that certain
collections in excess of amounts needed to pay the
related Securities may be deposited in a common,
master reserve account that provides credit
enhancement for more than one series of Securities).
The Mortgage Pools......As described herein and in the related
Prospectus Supplement, each Mortgage Pool
will consist of Mortgage Loans secured by
first and junior liens on one- to four-family
residential properties ("Mortgages"), located
in any one of the fifty states, the District
of Columbia, Puerto Rico or any other
Territories of the United States (the
"Mortgaged Properties"). All Mortgage Loans
will have been acquired by the related Trust
from the Sponsor. All Mortgage Loans will
have been originated either by (i) the
Servicer or one or more Affiliated
Originators other than the Servicer, pursuant
to standard underwriting guidelines described
herein, as modified from time to time; (ii)
one or more Unaffiliated Originators,
pursuant to the Sponsor's guidelines; and
(iii) Originators of Mortgage Loans,
subsequently purchased in whole or in part by
the Sponsor or an Affiliated Originator as
bulk acquisitions ("Bulk Acquisitions"). See
"Mortgage Loan Program" herein. For a
description of the types of Mortgage Loans
that may be included in the Mortgage Pools,
see "The Mortgage Pools - The Mortgage Pools"
herein.
Payments on the Mortgage Loans. The Mortgage Loans
will have interest payable thereon at (i) fixed rates
specified in the related Prospectus Supplement, (ii)
adjustable rates computed as specified in the related
Prospectus Supplement or (iii) graduated or other
variable rates described in the related Prospectus
Supplement. Each Mortgage Loan will require monthly
or bi-monthly payment of principal and interest.
Scheduled payments of principal on any
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Mortgage Loan may be computed (i) on a level debt
service basis that will result in full amortization
over the stated term of such Mortgage Loan or (ii) in
the case of a "balloon loan," on the basis of an
assumed amortization schedule that is significantly
longer than the original term to maturity of such
Mortgage Loan and will require payment of a
substantial amount of principal at the stated
maturity specified in the related Mortgage Note.
A Current Report on Form 8-K will be available to
purchasers or underwriters of the related series of
Securities and will generally be filed, together with
the related Pooling and Servicing Agreement, with the
Commission within 15 days after the initial issuance
of such series or, in the case of a series including
a Forward Purchase Agreement, within 15 days of the
end of the related acquisition period. See
"Description of the Securities - Forward Commitments;
Pre-Funding" herein.
Forward Commitments;
Pre-Funding.............A Trust may enter into an agreement (each, a "Forward
Purchase Agreement") with the Sponsor whereby the
Sponsor will agree to transfer additional Mortgage
Loans to such Trust following the date on which such
Trust is established and the related Securities are
issued. Any Forward Purchase Agreement will require
that any Mortgage Loans so transferred to a Trust
conform to the requirements specified in such Forward
Purchase Agreement. If a Forward Purchase Agreement
is to be utilized, as described in the related
Prospectus Supplement, the related Sponsor will be
required to deposit in a segregated account (each, a
"Pre-Funding Account") up to 100% of the proceeds
received in connection with the sale of one or more
classes of Securities of the related series;
subsequently, the additional Mortgage Loans will be
transferred to the related Trust in exchange for
money released to the Sponsor from the related
Pre-Funding Account in one or more transfers. Each
Forward Purchase Agreement will set a specified
period during which any such transfers must occur.
The Forward Purchase Agreement or the related Pooling
and Servicing Agreement will require that, if all
moneys originally deposited to such Pre-Funding
Account are not so used by the end of such specified
period, then any remaining moneys will be applied as
a mandatory prepayment of the related class or
classes of Securities as specified in the related
Prospectus Supplement. The related Prospectus
Supplement will specify the period for the
acquisition by a Trust of additional Mortgage Loans,
which period will not exceed three months from the
date such Trust is established.
Credit Enhancement......If so specified in the Prospectus Supplement,
the Trust Estate with respect to any series
of Securities may include any one or any
combination of a letter of credit, mortgage
pool insurance policy, special hazard
insurance policy, bankruptcy bond, financial
guaranty insurance policy, reserve fund or
other type of credit enhancement to provide
full or partial coverage for certain defaults
and losses relating to the Mortgage Loans.
Credit support also may be provided in the
form of the related class of Equity
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Securities, and/or by subordination of one or more
classes of Fixed-Income Securities in a series under
which losses in excess of those absorbed by any
related class of Equity Securities are first
allocated to any Subordinate Securities up to a
specified limit, cross-support among groups of
Mortgage Assets or overcollateralization. Any
mortgage pool insurance policy will likely have
certain exclusions from coverage thereunder, which
will be described in the related Prospectus
Supplement, which may be accompanied by one or more
separate credit enhancements that may be obtained to
cover certain of such exclusions. To the extent not
set forth herein, the amount and types of coverage,
the identification of any entity providing the
coverage, the terms of any subordination and related
information will be set forth in the Prospectus
Supplement relating to a series of Securities. See
"Description of Credit Enhancement" and
"Subordination" herein.
Advances................The Servicer, directly or through Sub-Servicers, if
applicable, may be obligated to make certain cash
advances with respect to certain delinquent scheduled
payments on the Mortgage Loans. Generally, the
Servicer will only be obligated to make any such
advance to the extent that the Servicer believes that
such amounts will be recoverable by it. The nature
and extent of any such advancing requirements will be
described in the related Prospectus Supplement. Any
such advance made by the Servicer with respect to a
Mortgage Loan is recoverable by it as provided herein
under "Description of the Securities - Advances"
either from recoveries on the specific Mortgage Loan
or, with respect to any advance subsequently
determined to be nonrecoverable, out of funds
otherwise distributable to the holders of the related
series of Securities, which may include the holders
of any Senior Securities of such series.
If so specified in the related Prospectus Supplement,
the Servicer will be required to advance Compensating
Interest.
In addition, the related Prospectus
Supplement will specify whether the Servicer will be
required to pay "out of pocket" costs and expenses
incurred in the performance of its servicing
obligations, and, if so, to what extent. See
"Description of the Securities - Advances" herein.
Optional Termination....The Servicer, the Sponsor or, if specified in the
related Prospectus Supplement, the holders of the
related class of Equity Securities or the credit
enhancer may at their respective option effect early
retirement of a series of Securities through the
purchase of the Mortgage Loans and other assets in
the related Trust Estate on any Payment Date when the
outstanding aggregate loan balances of the Mortgage
Loans in the Trust Estate is less than or equal to
the percentage specified in the related Prospectus
Supplement (which in no event will be greater than
25%) of the sum of the aggregate loan balances of all
Mortgage Loans in the Trust Estate as of the
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original creation date of the Mortgage Pool and the
original amount deposited in the Pre-Funding Account,
if any. See "The Pooling and Servicing Agreement -
Termination; Retirement of Securities" herein and in
the related Prospectus Supplement.
Legal Investment........Not all of the Mortgage Loans in a particular
Mortgage Pool may represent first liens.
Accordingly, as disclosed in the related
Prospectus Supplement, certain classes of
Securities offered hereby and by the related
Prospectus Supplement may not constitute
"mortgage related securities" for purposes of
the Secondary Mortgage Market Enhancement Act
of 1984 ("SMMEA") and, if so, will not be
legal investments for certain types of
institutional investors under SMMEA.
Institutions whose investment activities are subject
to legal investment laws and regulations or to review
by certain regulatory authorities may be subject to
additional restrictions on investment in certain
classes of Securities. Any such institution should
consult its own legal advisors in determining whether
and to what extent a class of Securities constitutes
legal investments for such investors. See "Legal
Investment Matters" herein.
ERISA Considerations....A fiduciary of an employee benefit plan and certain
other retirement plans and arrangements, including
individual retirement accounts and annuities, Keogh
plans, and collective investment funds and separate
accounts in which such plans, accounts, 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 (each
such entity, a "Plan") should carefully review with
its legal advisors whether the purchase or holding of
Securities could give rise to a transaction that is
prohibited or is not otherwise permissible either
under ERISA or Section 4975 of the Code. Investors
are advised to consult their counsel and to review
"ERISA Considerations" herein.
Material Federal
Income Tax
Consequences............Securities of each series offered hereby will, for
federal income tax purposes, constitute either (i)
interests ("Grantor Trust Securities") in a Trust
treated as a grantor trust under applicable
provisions of the Code, (ii) "regular interests"
("REMIC Regular Securities") or "residual interests"
("REMIC Residual Securities") in a Trust treated as a
REMIC (or, in certain instances, containing one or
more REMICs) under Sections 860A through 860G of the
Code, (iii) debt issued by a Trust ("Debt
Securities") or (iv) interests in a Trust that is
treated as a partnership ("Partnership Interests").
Andrews & Kurth L.L.P., tax counsel to the Sponsor,
will deliver its opinion to the Sponsor with respect
to the description of material federal income tax
consequences in the related Prospectus Supplement for
each series of Securities. The Sponsor will file
each such opinion as an exhibit to the Current Report
on Form 8-K
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filed by the Sponsor in connection with the issuance
of the related series.
Investors are advised to consult their tax advisors
and to review "Material Federal Income Tax
Consequences" herein and in the related Prospectus
Supplement.
Registration of
Securities..............Securities may be represented by global securities
registered in the name of Cede & Co. ("Cede"), as
nominee of The Depository Trust Company ("DTC"), or
another nominee. In such case, Securityholders will
not be entitled to receive definitive securities
representing such holders' interests, except in
certain circumstances described in the related
Prospectus Supplement. See "Description of the
Securities - Form of Securities" herein.
Ratings.................Each class of Fixed-Income Securities offered
pursuant to the related Prospectus Supplement will be
rated in one of the four highest rating categories by
one or more "national statistical rating
organizations," as defined in the Securities Exchange
Act of 1934, as amended (the "Exchange Act"), and
commonly referred to as "Rating Agencies." Such
ratings will address, in the opinion of such Rating
Agencies, the likelihood that the related Trust will
be able to make timely payment of all amounts due on
the related Fixed-Income Securities in accordance
with the terms thereof. Such ratings will neither
address any prepayment or yield considerations
applicable to any Securities nor constitute a
recommendation to buy, sell or hold any Securities.
See "Rating" herein.
The ratings expected to be received with respect to
any Securities will be set forth in the related
Prospectus Supplement.
Risk Factors............For a discussion of certain factors that should be
considered by prospective investors in the
Securities, including certain yield and prepayment
risks, see "Risk Factors" herein.
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RISK FACTORS
Investors should consider, among other things, the following factors in
connection with the purchase of the Securities.
Limited Liquidity
Prior to issuance, there will have been no market for the Securities of
any series. There can be no assurance that a secondary market for the
Securities of any series or class will develop or, if a secondary market does
develop, that it will provide Securityholders with liquidity of investment or
that it will continue for the lives of the Securities of any series. The
Prospectus Supplement for any series of Securities may indicate that an
underwriter specified therein intends to establish a secondary market in such
Securities; however, no underwriter will be obligated to do so. The
Securities will not be listed on any securities exchange. Accordingly, there
can be no assurance that sufficient liquidity will exist at any particular
time for any series or class of Securities. Consequently, Securityholders
may not be able to dispose of their investment in the event of an emergency
or for any other reason and must be prepared to bear the economic risk of an
investment in the Securities for an indefinite period. Such factors may also
adversely affect the price that a Securityholder may be able to obtain for
the Securities that such investor is able to sell.
Obligations Limited to Trust Estate
The Securities will not represent an interest in or obligation, either
recourse or non-recourse (except for certain non-recourse debt described
herein under "Material Federal Income Tax Consequences"), of the Sponsor, the
Servicer, any Originator or any person other than the related Trust.
Notwithstanding the foregoing, and as to be described in the related
Prospectus Supplement, certain types of credit enhancement, such as a
financial guaranty insurance policy or a letter of credit, may constitute a
full recourse obligation of the issuer of such credit enhancement. The only
obligations of the foregoing entities with respect to the Securities or the
Mortgage Loans will be the obligations (if any) of the Sponsor, the related
Originators and the Servicer pursuant to certain limited representations and
warranties made with respect to the Mortgage Loans, the Servicer's servicing
obligations under the related Pooling and Servicing Agreement (including the
limited obligation to make certain advances in the event of delinquencies on
the Mortgage Loans, 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 Sponsor, the Servicer, the applicable
Sub-Servicer, or another party in connection with a purchase obligation
("Purchase Obligation") or an agreement to purchase or act as remarketing
agent with respect to a Convertible Mortgage Loan upon conversion to a fixed
rate. The Securities and the underlying Mortgage Loans will not be
guaranteed or insured by any governmental agency or instrumentality, or by
the Sponsor, the Servicer, any Sub-Servicer or any of their affiliates.
Proceeds of the assets included in the related Trust Estate for each series
of Securities (including the Mortgage Loans and any form of credit
enhancement) will be the sole source of payments on the Securities, and there
will be no recourse to the Sponsor or any other entity in the event that such
proceeds are insufficient or otherwise unavailable to make all payments
provided for under the Securities. Accordingly, investors in Securities
could experience delays in payment or losses to the extent such sources of
payment are insufficient to make required distributions on any series or
class of Securities.
Limitations, Reduction and Substitution of Credit Enhancement
With respect to each series of Securities, credit enhancement will be
provided in limited amounts to cover certain types of losses on the
underlying Mortgage Loans. Credit enhancement may be provided in one or more
of the forms referred to herein, including, but not limited to: a letter of
credit; a mortgage pool insurance policy; a special hazard insurance policy;
a bankruptcy bond; a reserve fund; a financial guaranty insurance policy or
other type of credit enhancement to provide partial coverage for certain
defaults and losses relating to the Mortgage Loans. Credit enhancement also
may be provided in the form of the related class of Equity Securities,
subordination of one or more classes of Fixed-Income Securities in a series
under which losses in excess of those absorbed by any related class of Equity
Securities are first allocated to any Subordinate Securities up to a
specified limit, cross-support among Mortgage Assets and/or
overcollateralization. See "Description of Credit Enhancement" and
"Subordination" herein. Regardless of the form of credit enhancement
provided, the coverage will be limited in amount and in most cases will be
subject to periodic reduction in accordance with a schedule or formula.
Furthermore, such credit enhancements may provide only very limited coverage
as to certain types of losses, and may provide no coverage as to certain
other types of losses.
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Therefore, to the extent losses on Mortgage Loans exceed the level of credit
enhancement for a series or class of Securities, or to the extent such losses
are of a type not covered by such credit enhancement, investors in such
Securities could experience delays in payment or losses. Such losses could
occur in connection with scheduled distributions on Securities or in
connection with any optional termination of a Trust. See "The Pooling and
Servicing Agreement - Termination; Retirement of Securities" herein.
Moreover, credit enhancements do not directly or indirectly guarantee to the
investors any specified rate of prepayments. The 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. To the extent not set forth herein, the amount and types of
coverage, the identification of any entity providing the coverage, the terms
of any subordination and related information will be set forth in the
Prospectus Supplement relating to a series of Securities. See "Description
of Credit Enhancement" and "Subordination" herein.
Risks Related to the Mortgage Loans - Decline in Property Values and
Non-Standard Loan Terms
Risk of the Losses Associated with Junior Liens. Certain of the Mortgage
Loans will be secured by junior liens ("Junior Lien Loans") subordinate to
the rights of the mortgagee or beneficiary under each related senior mortgage
or deed of trust. As a result, the proceeds from any liquidation, insurance
or condemnation proceedings will be available to satisfy the principal
balance of a mortgage loan only to the extent that the claims, if any, of
each such senior mortgagee or beneficiary are satisfied in full, including
any related foreclosure costs. In addition, a mortgagee secured by a junior
lien may not foreclose on the related mortgaged property unless it forecloses
subject to the related senior mortgage or mortgages, in which case it must
either pay the entire amount of each senior mortgage to the applicable
mortgagee at or prior to the foreclosure sale or undertake the obligation to
make payments on each senior mortgage in the event of default thereunder. In
servicing junior lien loans in its portfolio, it has been the practice of the
Servicer to satisfy each such senior mortgage at or prior to the foreclosure
sale only to the extent that it determines any amounts so paid will be
recoverable from future payments and collections on such junior lien loans,
from liquidation of the property securing the senior mortgage or otherwise.
The Trusts will not have any source of funds to satisfy any such senior
mortgage or make payments due to any senior mortgagee. Accordingly,
recoveries on junior lien loans will typically depend on the financial
resources of the borrower or the value of the Mortgaged Property being
sufficient to repay both the senior and junior liens, and a Trust could
suffer a loss in the event of a shortfall and distributions to
Securityholders could correspondingly be reduced, except to the extent such
losses are covered by credit enhancement. See "Certain Legal Aspects of
Mortgage Loans and Related Matters - Foreclosure" herein.
Risk of Losses Associated with Declining Real Estate Values. An
investment in securities such as the Securities that represent beneficial
ownership interests in the Mortgage Loans or debt secured by such Mortgage
Loans may be affected by, among other things, a decline in real estate values
and changes in the borrowers' 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 any senior liens, the
Mortgage Loans and any secondary financing on the Mortgaged Properties in a
particular Mortgage Pool become equal to or greater than the value of the
Mortgaged Properties, the actual rates of delinquencies, foreclosures and
losses could be higher than those now generally experienced in the
nonconforming credit mortgage lending industry. Such a decline could
extinguish the interest of the related Trust in the Mortgaged Properties on
which the Trust holds Junior Lien Loans before having any effect on the
interest of the related senior mortgagee. In addition, in the case of
Mortgage Loans that are subject to negative amortization, due to the addition
to principal balance of deferred interest ("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 enhancement, holders of Securities
of the series evidencing interests in the related Mortgage Pool 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.
Risk of Losses Associated with Certain Non-Conforming and Non-Traditional
Loans. The Sponsor's underwriting standards consider, among other things, a
mortgagor's credit history, repayment ability and debt service-to-income
ratio, as well as the value of the property. However, the Sponsor's Mortgage
Loan program generally provides for the origination of Mortgage Loans
relating to non-conforming credits that are likely to experience higher rates
of delinquency, foreclosure and bankruptcy than have historically been
experienced by loans conforming to
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guidelines of the Federal National Mortgage Association (also known as
"Fannie Mae" or "FNMA") or the Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation (also
known as "Freddie Mac" or "FHLMC"). In addition, certain of the Mortgage
Loans may provide for escalating or variable payments by the borrower under
the Mortgage Loan (the "Mortgagor"), as to which the Mortgagor is generally
qualified on the basis of the initial interest rate plus 1%. In some
instances the Mortgagors' 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 and potential for loss will increase. For a more
detailed discussion, see "Mortgage Loan Program" herein.
Risk of Losses Associated with Balloon Loans. Certain of the Mortgage
Loans may constitute "Balloon Loans." Balloon Loans are originated with a
stated maturity of less than the period of time of the corresponding
amortization schedule. Consequently, upon the maturity of a Balloon Loan,
the Mortgagor will be required to make a "balloon" payment that will be
significantly larger than such Mortgagor's previous monthly payments. The
ability of such a Mortgagor to repay a Balloon Loan at maturity frequently
will depend on such borrower's ability to refinance the Mortgage Loan. The
ability of a Mortgagor to refinance such a Mortgage Loan will be affected by
a number of factors, including the level of available mortgage rates at the
time, the value of the related Mortgaged Property, the Mortgagor's equity in
the related Mortgaged Property, the financial condition of the Mortgagor, the
tax laws and general economic conditions at the time.
Although a low interest rate environment may facilitate the refinancing
of a balloon payment, the receipt and reinvestment by Securityholders of the
proceeds in such an environment may produce a lower return than that
previously received in respect of the related Mortgage Loan. Conversely, a
high interest rate environment may make it more difficult for the Mortgagor
to accomplish a refinancing and may result in delinquencies or defaults, with
possible losses to investors in the related Securities. None of the Sponsor,
the Originators, the Servicer, any Sub-Servicer or the Trustee will be
obligated to provide funds to refinance any Mortgage Loan, including Balloon
Loans.
Risk of Losses Associated with Bankruptcy of Mortgagors. General
economic conditions have an impact on the ability of borrowers to repay
Mortgage Loans. Loss of earnings, illness and other similar factors also may
lead to an increase in delinquencies and bankruptcy filings by borrowers. In
the event of personal bankruptcy of a Mortgagor, it is possible that a Trust
could experience a loss with respect to such Mortgagor's Mortgage Loan. In
conjunction with a Mortgagor's bankruptcy, a bankruptcy court may suspend or
reduce the payments of principal and interest to be paid with respect to such
Mortgage Loan or permanently reduce the principal balance of such Mortgage
Loan thereby either delaying or permanently limiting the amount received by
the Trust with respect to such Mortgage Loan, and reducing correspondingly
the distributions to Securityholders, except to the extent such losses are
covered by credit enhancement. Moreover, in the event a bankruptcy court
prevents the transfer of the related Mortgaged Property to a Trust, any
remaining balance on such Mortgage Loan may not be recoverable.
Risk of Losses Associated with Foreclosure of Mortgaged Properties. Even
assuming that the Mortgaged Properties provide adequate security for the
Mortgage Loans, substantial delays could be encountered in connection with
the liquidation of defaulted Mortgage Loans and corresponding delays in the
receipt of related proceeds by the Securityholders could occur. An action to
foreclose on a Mortgaged Property securing a Mortgage Loan is regulated by
state statutes, rules and judicial decisions and is subject to many of the
delays and expenses of other lawsuits if defenses or counterclaims are
interposed, sometimes requiring several years to complete. Furthermore, in
some states an action to obtain a deficiency judgment is not permitted
following a nonjudicial sale of a Mortgaged Property. Additionally, some
states require that for a specified period (the "Redemption Period") after
foreclosure of a Mortgaged Property, the related borrower can repay the
defaulted Mortgage Loan and regain title to such Mortgaged Property; in such
jurisdictions, the Originator's ability to liquidate the related foreclosed
property during the applicable Redemption Period is limited. In the event of
a default by a Mortgagor, these restrictions, among other things, may impede
the ability of the Servicer to foreclose on or sell the Mortgaged Property or
to obtain liquidation proceeds (net of expenses) sufficient to repay all
amounts due on the related Mortgage Loan. The Servicer will be entitled to
deduct from Liquidation Proceeds all expenses reasonably incurred in
attempting to recover amounts due on the related liquidated Mortgage Loan
("Liquidated Mortgage Loan") and not yet repaid, including payments to prior
lienholders, accrued servicing fees, legal fees and costs of legal action,
real estate taxes, and maintenance and preservation expenses. In the event
that any Mortgaged Properties fail to provide adequate security for the
related Mortgage Loans and insufficient funds are available from any
applicable credit enhancement, Securityholders could experience a loss on
their investment.
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Many liquidation expenses with respect to defaulted mortgage loans do not
vary directly with the outstanding principal balance of the loan at the time
of default. Therefore, assuming that a servicer takes the same steps in
realizing upon a defaulted Mortgage Loan having a small remaining principal
balance as it would in the case of a defaulted Mortgage Loan having a larger
principal balance, the amount realized after expenses of liquidation would be
less as a percentage of the outstanding principal balance of the smaller
principal balance Mortgage Loan than would be the case with a larger
principal balance loan.
Under environmental legislation and judicial decisions applicable in
various states, a secured party who takes a deed in lieu of foreclosure,
acquires a Mortgaged Property at a foreclosure sale or, prior to foreclosure,
has been involved in decisions or actions that may lead to contamination of a
property, may be liable for the costs of cleaning up any contamination found
at such property. These costs, which could be substantial, could be a
liability of a Trust, and any such liability may ultimately result in a loss
to investors in the related series of Securities. This potential exposure
will be reduced to some extent because under the terms of the related Pooling
and Servicing Agreement, the related Trustee and Servicer will not be
authorized to take any action that may be deemed participation in the
management of a contaminated Mortgaged Property. Imposition of any such
costs could reduce significantly the recoveries of the Trust following a
foreclosure. See "Certain Legal Aspects of Mortgage Loans and Related
Matters - Environmental Considerations" herein.
Certain of the Mortgaged Properties relating to Mortgage Loans may not be
owner occupied. It is possible that the rate of delinquencies, foreclosures
and losses on Mortgage Loans secured by non-owner occupied properties could
be higher than for loans secured by the primary residence of the borrower.
Litigation
Any material litigation relating to the Sponsor or the Servicer will be
specified in the related Prospectus Supplement.
Geographic Concentration of Mortgaged Properties
Certain geographic regions from time to time will experience weaker
regional economic conditions and housing markets than will other regions,
and, consequently, will experience higher rates of loss and delinquency on
mortgage loans generally. The Mortgage Loans underlying certain series of
Securities may be concentrated in such regions, and such concentrations may
present risk considerations in addition to those generally present for
similar mortgage loan asset backed securities without such concentrations.
Information with respect to geographic concentration of Mortgaged Properties
will be specified in the related Prospectus Supplement.
Applicability of State and Federal Lending Laws
Applicable state laws generally regulate interest rates and other
charges, require certain disclosures, and require licensing of the
Originators, the Servicer and Sub-Servicers. In addition, most states have
other laws, public policy and general principles of equity relating to the
protection of consumers, unfair and deceptive practices and practices that
may apply to the origination, servicing and collection of the Mortgage Loans.
See "Certain Legal Aspects of Mortgage Loans and Related Matters" herein.
The Mortgage Loans may also be subject to federal laws, including: (i)
the Federal Truth-in-Lending Act and Regulation Z promulgated thereunder and
the Real Estate Settlement Procedures Act and Regulation X promulgated
thereunder, which require certain disclosures to the borrowers regarding the
terms of the Mortgage Loans; (ii) the Equal Credit Opportunity Act and
Regulation B promulgated thereunder, which prohibit discrimination on the
basis of age, race, color, sex, religion, marital status, national origin,
receipt of public assistance or the exercise of any right under the Consumer
Credit Protection Act, in the extension of credit; and (iii) the Fair Credit
Reporting Act, which regulates the use and reporting of information related
to the borrower's credit experience. Depending on the provisions of the
applicable law and the specific facts and circumstances involved, violations
of these laws, policies and general principles of equity may entitle the
borrower to rescind the loan or to a refund of amounts previously paid and,
in addition, could subject the Servicer to damages and administrative
sanctions. If the Servicer is unable to collect all or
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part of the principal or interest on the Mortgage Loans because of a
violation of the aforementioned laws, public policies or general principles
of equity then the Trust may be delayed or unable to repay all amounts owed
to Securityholders. Furthermore, depending upon whether damages and sanctions
are assessed against the Servicer or an Originator, such violations may
materially impact the financial ability of the Servicer to continue to act as
Servicer or the ability of an Originator to repurchase or replace Mortgage
Loans if such violations breach a representation or warranty contained in a
Pooling and Servicing Agreement.
Yield and Prepayment Considerations
The yield to maturity of the Securities of each series will depend on the
rate of payment of principal (including prepayments, liquidations due to
defaults, and repurchases due to conversion of adjustable-rate mortgage loans
("ARM Loans") to fixed-rate loans or due to breaches of representations and
warranties) on the Mortgage Loans and the price paid by Securityholders.
Such yield may be adversely affected by a higher or lower than anticipated
rate of prepayments on the related Mortgage Loans. The yield to maturity on
Strip Securities or Securities purchased at premiums to or discounts from par
will be extremely sensitive to the rate of prepayments on the related
Mortgage Loans. In addition, the yield to maturity on certain other types of
classes of Securities, including Accrual Securities or certain other classes
in a series including more than one class of Securities, may be relatively
more sensitive to the rate of prepayment on the related Mortgage Loans than
other classes of Securities. With respect to Securities purchased at a
discount, a lower than expected rate of payments and prepayments will
adversely affect Securityholders' yield. Conversely, with respect to
Securities purchased a premium, a higher than expected rate of payments and
prepayments will adversely affect Securityholders' yield.
As more fully described in the related Prospectus Supplement, the
Mortgage Loans may be prepaid in full or in part at any time; however, a
prepayment penalty or premium may be imposed in connection therewith and such
penalties will not be property of the related Trust. The rate of prepayments
of the Mortgage Loans cannot be predicted and is influenced by a wide variety
of economic, social, and other factors, including prevailing mortgage market
interest rates, the availability of alternative financing, local and regional
economic conditions and homeowner mobility. Therefore, no assurance can be
given as to the level of prepayments that a Trust will experience.
Prepayments may result from mandatory prepayments relating to unused
moneys held in Pre-Funding Accounts, if any, voluntary early payments by
borrowers (including payments in connection with refinancings of the related
senior Mortgage Loan or Loans), sales of Mortgaged Properties subject to
"due-on-sale" provisions and liquidations due to default, as well as the
receipt of proceeds from physical damage, credit life and disability
insurance policies. In addition, repurchases or purchases from a Trust of
Mortgage Loans, substitution adjustments required to be made under the
Pooling and Servicing Agreement, optional termination of a Trust or early
termination of a revolving or interest-only period with respect to one or
more classes of Securities will have the same effect on the Securityholders
as a prepayment of such Mortgage Loans. To the extent described in the
related Prospectus Supplement, the Mortgage Loans may contain "due-on-sale"
provisions, and the Servicer will be required to enforce such provisions
unless (i) such enforcement would materially increase the risk of default or
delinquency on, or materially decrease the security for, such Mortgage Loan
or (ii) such enforcement is not permitted by applicable law, in which case
the Servicer is authorized to permit the purchaser of the related Mortgaged
Property to assume the Mortgage Loan. Any such principal prepayment may
adversely affect the yield to maturity of the related Securities. Because
prevailing interest rates are subject to fluctuation, there can be no
assurance that Securityholders will be able to reinvest such a prepayment at
yields equaling or exceeding the yields on the related Securities. It is
possible that the yield on any such reinvestment will be lower, and may be
significantly lower, than the yield on the related Securities.
Collections on the Mortgage Loans may vary due to the level of incidence
of delinquent payments and of prepayments. Collections on the Mortgage Loans
may also vary due to seasonal purchasing and payment habits of borrowers.
Book-Entry Registration - Limited Liquidity and Delays in Distribution
Issuance of the Securities in book-entry form may reduce the liquidity of
such Securities in the secondary trading market because investors may be
unwilling to purchase Securities for which they cannot obtain definitive
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physical securities representing such Securityholders' interests, except in
certain circumstances described in the related Prospectus Supplement.
Because transactions in Securities will be able to be effected only
through DTC, direct or indirect participants in DTC's book-entry system
("Direct Participants" or "Indirect Participants") and certain banks, the
ability of a Securityholder to pledge a Security to persons or entities that
do not participate in the DTC system, or otherwise to take actions in respect
of such Securities, may be limited due to lack of a physical security
representing the Securities.
Securityholders may experience some delay in their receipt of
distributions of interest on and principal of the Securities because
distributions may be required to be forwarded by the Trustee to DTC and, in
such a case, DTC will be required to credit such distributions to the
accounts of its Participants which thereafter will be required to credit them
to the accounts of the applicable class of Securityholders either directly or
indirectly through Indirect Participants. See "Description of the Securities
- - Form of Securities" herein.
The Status of the Mortgage Loans in the Event of Bankruptcy of the Sponsor or
an Originator - Payment Delays
In the event of the bankruptcy of the Sponsor or an Originator at a time
when it or any affiliate thereof holds an Equity Security, a trustee in
bankruptcy of the Sponsor, an Originator or its creditors could attempt to
recharacterize the sale of the Mortgage Loans to the related Trust as a
borrowing by the Sponsor, the Originator or such affiliate with the result,
if such recharacterization is upheld, that the Securityholders would be
deemed creditors of the Sponsor, the Originator or such affiliate, secured by
a pledge of the Mortgage Loans. If such an attempt were successful, it could
prevent timely payments of amounts due to the Trust or timely distributions
of interest on and principal of the Securities.
Limitations on Interest Payments and Foreclosures
Generally, under the terms of the Soldiers' and Sailors' Civil Relief Act
of 1940, as amended (the "Relief Act"), or similar state legislation, a
Mortgagor who enters military service after the origination of the related
Mortgage Loan (including a Mortgagor who is a member of the National Guard or
is in reserve status at the time of the origination of the Mortgage Loan and
is later called to active duty) 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. It is possible that such action could have an effect, for an
indeterminate period of time, on the ability of the Servicer to collect full
amounts of interest on certain of the Mortgage Loans. 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. Thus, in the event that such a Mortgage Loan goes into
default, there may be delays and losses occasioned by the inability to
realize upon the Mortgaged Property in a timely fashion.
Rating of Securities Dependent on Credit Enhancement
The rating of Securities credit enhanced through external credit
enhancement such as a letter of credit, financial guaranty insurance policy
or mortgage pool insurance will depend primarily on the creditworthiness of
the issuer of such external credit enhancement device (a "Credit Enhancer").
Any reduction in the rating assigned to the claims-paying ability of the
related Credit Enhancer below the rating initially given to the related
Securities would likely result in a reduction in the rating of the
Securities. The rating of Securities credit enhanced through subordination
or reserve amounts will depend on the actual performance of the related
Mortgage Pool, and a reduction in such rating could occur if defaults and
losses on the related Mortgage Loans exceed the rate assumed in determining
the original level of credit enhancement. Reduction of a rating would
adversely affect the market value and possibly the liquidity of the related
Securities. See "Rating" herein and in the Prospectus Supplement.
Liability of Trust for Indemnification - Reduction of Trust Assets and
Credit Enhancement
Each Pooling and Servicing Agreement will provide that neither
the Sponsor nor any of its directors, officers, employees or agents
shall have any liability to the Trust created thereunder or to any of
the Securityholders, except with respect to liabilities resulting from
willful malfeasance, bad faith or gross negligence or from the
reckless disregard of obligations or duties arising under the related
Pooling and Servicing Agreement (or, with respect to the Sponsor, the
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representations and warranties described herein and in the related Prospectus
Supplement). Each such Pooling and Servicing Agreement will further provide
that, with the exceptions stated above, the Sponsor and its directors,
officers, employees and agents are entitled to be indemnified and held
harmless by the Trust against any loss, liability or expense incurred in
connection with legal actions relating to the Pooling and Servicing Agreement
or the Securities. If a Trust is required to make payments in connection
with indemnified losses as described, the payments would reduce the assets of
the Trust and may also reduce any credit enhancement available to make
distributions to Securityholders.
THE TRUSTS
A Trust for any series of Securities will include the primary mortgage
assets ("Mortgage Assets") consisting of a Mortgage Pool comprised of
Mortgage Loans secured by first and junior liens on one-to four-family
residential properties, including units in condominiums, or cooperative
apartments, together with payments in respect of such primary Mortgage Assets
and certain other accounts, obligations or agreements, in each case as
specified in the related Prospectus Supplement.
The Securities will be entitled to payment only from the assets of the
related Trust (i.e., the related Trust Estate) and will not be entitled to
payments in respect of the assets of any other related Trust Estate
established by the Sponsor, the Originators or any of their affiliates. If
specified in the related Prospectus Supplement, certain Securities will
evidence the entire fractional undivided ownership interest in the related
Mortgage Loans held by the related Trust or may represent debt secured by the
related Mortgage Loans.
The following is a brief description of the Mortgage Assets expected to
be included in the related Trusts. If specific information respecting the
primary Mortgage Assets is not known at the time the related series of
Securities initially is offered, information of the nature described below
will be provided in the Prospectus Supplement, and specific information (the
"Detailed Description") will be set forth in a report on Form 8-K to be filed
with the Commission within 15 days after the initial issuance of such
Securities, or, in the case of a series including a Forward Purchase
Agreement, within 15 days of the end of the related acquisition period. See
"Description of the Securities - Forward Commitments; Pre-Funding" herein. A
copy of the Pooling and Servicing Agreement with respect to each series of
Securities will be attached to the Form 8-K and will be available for
inspection at the corporate trust office of the Trustee specified in the
related Prospectus Supplement. A schedule of the Mortgage Assets relating to
such series (the "Mortgage Asset Schedule") will be attached to the Pooling
and Servicing Agreement delivered to the Trustee upon delivery of the
Securities.
The Mortgage Loans - General
The real properties that secure repayment of the Mortgage Loans (the
"Mortgaged Properties") may be located in any one of the fifty states, the
District of Columbia, Puerto Rico or any other Territories of the United
States. If specified in the related Prospectus Supplement, Mortgage Loans
with certain Loan-to-Value Ratios and/or certain principal balances may be
covered wholly or partially by primary mortgage insurance policies. The
related Prospectus Supplement will specify the percentage of the Mortgage
Loans in any Mortgage Pool that are covered by standard hazard insurance
policies (which may be in the form of a blanket or forced placed hazard
insurance policy). The existence, extent and duration of any such coverage
will be described in the applicable Prospectus Supplement.
All of the Mortgage Loans in a Mortgage Pool will provide for payments to
be made monthly ("monthly pay") or bi-weekly. The payment terms of the
Mortgage Loans to be included in a Trust will be described in the related
Prospectus Supplement and may include any of the following features or
combination thereof or other features as more specifically described in the
related Prospectus Supplement:
(a) Interest may be payable at a Fixed Rate, or an
Adjustable Rate (i.e., a rate that is adjustable from time to
time in relation to an index, a rate that is fixed for period of
time and under certain circumstances is followed by an adjustable
rate, a rate that otherwise varies from time to time, or a rate
that is convertible from an adjustable rate to a fixed rate).
The specified rate of interest on a Mortgage Loan is its
"Mortgage Rate." Changes to an Adjustable Rate may be subject to
periodic limitations, maximum rates, minimum rates or a
combination of such limitations. Accrued interest may be
deferred and added to the principal of a Mortgage Loan for such
periods and under such circumstances as may be specified in the
related Prospectus Supplement.
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If provided for in the Prospectus Supplement, 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 (the "Buydown
Period") will be less than the scheduled monthly payments on the
Mortgage Loan, and the amount of any difference may be contributed
from (i) an amount (such amount, exclusive of investment earnings
thereon, being hereinafter referred to as "Buydown Funds") funded
by the originator of the Mortgage Loan or another source (including
the Servicer or the related Originator and the builder of the
Mortgaged Property) and placed in a custodial account (the "Buydown
Account") and (ii) if the Buydown Funds are contributed on a
present value basis, investment earnings on such Buydown Funds.
(b) Principal may be payable on a level debt service basis
to fully amortize the Mortgage Loan over its term, may be
calculated on the basis of an assumed amortization schedule that
is significantly longer than the original term to maturity or on
an interest rate that is different from the Mortgage Rate, or may
not be amortized during all or a portion of the original term.
Payment of all or a substantial portion of the principal may be
due on maturity. Principal may include interest that has been
deferred and added to the principal balance of the Mortgage Loan.
(c) Monthly payments of principal and interest may be fixed
for the life of the Mortgage Loan, may increase over a specified
period of time or may change from period to period. Mortgage
Loans may include limits on periodic increases or decreases in
the amount of monthly payments and may include maximum or minimum
amounts of monthly payments. Mortgage Loans having graduated
payment provisions may provide for deferred payment of a portion
of the interest due monthly during a specified period, and recoup
the deferred interest through negative amortization during such
period whereby the difference between the interest paid during
such period and the interest accrued during such period is added
monthly to the outstanding principal balance. Other Mortgage
Loans sometimes referred to as "growing equity" mortgage loans
may provide for periodic scheduled payment increases for a
specified period with the full amount of such increases being
applied to principal.
(d) Prepayments of principal may be subject to a prepayment
fee, which may be fixed for the life of the Mortgage Loan or may
decline over time, and may be prohibited for the life of the
Mortgage Loan or for certain periods ("lockout periods").
Certain Mortgage Loans may permit prepayments after expiration of
the applicable lockout period and may require the payment of a
prepayment fee in connection therewith. Other Mortgage Loans may
permit prepayments without payment of a fee unless the prepayment
occurs during specified time periods. The Mortgage Loans may
include due-on-sale clauses that permit the mortgagee to demand
payment of the entire Mortgage Loan in connection with the sale
or certain transfers of the related Mortgaged Property.
(e) Other Mortgage Loans may be assumable by persons
meeting the Sponsor's guidelines.
The Prospectus Supplement for each series of Securities or the Current
Report on Form 8-K will contain certain information with respect to the
Mortgage Loans (or a sample thereof) contained in the related Mortgage Pool;
such information, insofar as it may relate to statistical information
relating to such Mortgage Loans will be presented as of a date certain (the
"Statistic Calculation Date") that may also be the related cut-off date (the
"Cut-Off Date"). Such information will include to the extent applicable to
the particular Mortgage Pool (in all cases as of the Statistic Calculation
Date) (i) the aggregate outstanding principal balance and the average
outstanding principal balance of the Mortgage Loans, (ii) the largest
principal balance and the smallest principal balance of any of the Mortgage
Loans, (iii) the types of Mortgaged Property securing the Mortgage Loans
(e.g., one- to four-family houses, vacation and second homes or other real
property), (iv) the original terms to stated maturity of the Mortgage Loans,
(v) the weighted average remaining term to maturity of the Mortgage Loans and
the range of the remaining terms to maturity; (vi) the earliest origination
date and latest maturity date of any of the Mortgage Loans, (vii) the
weighted average Combined Loan-to-Value Ratio and the range of Combined
Loan-to-Value Ratios of the Mortgage Loans at origination, (viii) the
weighted average Mortgage Rate or annual percentage rate (the "APR") and
ranges of Mortgage Rates or APRs borne by the Mortgage Loans, (ix) in the
case of Mortgage Loans having adjustable rates, the weighted average of the
adjustable rates and indexes, if any; (x) the aggregate outstanding principal
balance, if any, of Buy-Down Loans and Mortgage Loans having graduated
payment provisions; (xi) the amount of any mortgage pool insurance policy,
special hazard
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insurance policy or bankruptcy bond to be maintained with respect to such
Mortgage Pool; (xii) the amount of any standard hazard insurance required to
be maintained with respect to each Mortgage Loan; (xiii) the amount, if any,
and terms of any credit enhancement to be provided with respect to all or any
Mortgage Loans or the Mortgage Pool; and (xiv) the geographical distribution
of the Mortgage Loans on a state-by-state basis. In addition, preliminary or
more general information of the nature described above may be provided in the
Prospectus Supplement, and specific or final information may be set forth in
a Current Report on Form 8-K, together with the related Pooling and Servicing
Agreement, which will be filed with the Commission and will be made available
to holders of the related series of Securities within 15 days after the
initial issuance of such Securities or, in the case of a series of Securities
including a Forward Purchase Agreement, within 15 days of the end of the
related acquisition period. See "Description of the Securities - Forward
Commitments; Pre-Funding" herein.
The "Combined Loan-to-Value Ratio" or "CLTV" of a Mortgage Loan at any
given time is, with respect to any first lien Mortgage Loans, the percentage
equal to the original balance of the related Mortgage Loan divided by the
appraised value of the related property. With respect to any Junior Lien
Loans, the Combined-Loan-to-Value Ratio is the percentage determined by
dividing (x) the sum of the original principal balance of such Mortgage Loan
(less the amount, if any, of the premium for any credit life insurance) plus
the then current principal balance of all mortgage loans secured by liens on
the related Mortgaged Property having priorities senior to that of the lien
that secures such Mortgage Loan, if any, by (y) the value of the related
Mortgaged Property, based upon the appraisal or valuation made at the time of
origination of the Mortgage Loan. In the case where there is no senior lien
to the Mortgage Loan and such Mortgage Loan represents a purchase money
instrument, the lesser of (a) the appraisal or valuation, or (b) the purchase
price. If the Mortgagor will use the proceeds of the Mortgage Loan to
refinance an existing Mortgage Loan that is being serviced directly or
indirectly by the Servicer, the requirement of an appraisal or other
valuation at the time the new Mortgage Loan is made may be waived.
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
principal balances of the Mortgage Loans (plus any additional financing by
other lenders on the same Mortgaged Properties) in a particular Mortgage Pool
become equal to or greater than the value of such Mortgaged Properties, the
actual rates of delinquencies, foreclosures and losses could be higher than
those now generally experienced in the nonconforming credit mortgage lending
industry. An overall decline in the market value of residential real estate,
the general condition of a Mortgaged Property, or other factors, could
adversely affect the values of the Mortgaged Properties such that the
outstanding balances of the Mortgage Loans, together with any additional
liens on the Mortgaged Properties, including Junior Lien Loans held by the
Trust, equal or exceed the value of the Mortgaged Properties. Under such
circumstances, the actual rates of delinquencies, foreclosures and losses
could be higher than those now generally experienced in the nonconforming
credit mortgage lending industry.
Other factors affecting mortgagors' ability to repay Mortgage Loans
include excessive building resulting in an oversupply of housing stock or a
decrease in employment reducing the demand for units in an area; federal,
state or local regulations and controls affecting rents; prices of goods and
energy; environmental restrictions; increasing labor and material costs; and
the relative attractiveness of the Mortgaged Properties. To the extent that
losses on the Mortgage Loans are not covered by credit enhancements, such
losses will be borne, at least in part, by the Securityholders of the related
series.
The Sponsor will cause the Mortgage Loans comprising each Mortgage Pool
to be assigned to the Trustee named in the related Prospectus Supplement for
the benefit of the holders of the Securities of the related series. The
Servicer will service the Mortgage Loans, either directly or through
Sub-Servicers, pursuant to the Pooling and Servicing Agreement and will
receive a fee for such services. See "Mortgage Loan Program" and "The
Pooling and Servicing Agreement" herein. With respect to Mortgage Loans
serviced through a Sub-Servicer, the Servicer will remain liable for its
servicing obligations under the related Pooling and Servicing Agreement as if
the Servicer alone were servicing such Mortgage Loans.
The only obligations of the Sponsor, the Servicer and the Originators
with respect to a series of Securities will be related to servicing and/or
providing (or, where the Sponsor or an Originator acquired a Mortgage Loan
from another originator, obtaining from such originator) certain
representations and warranties concerning the Mortgage
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Loans and to assign to the Trustee for such series of Securities the
Sponsor's or Originator's rights with respect to such representations and
warranties, except to the extent additional obligations, if any, of the
Sponsor, the Servicer or related Originators are described in the related
Prospectus Supplement. See "The Pooling and Servicing Agreement" herein.
The obligations of the Servicer with respect to the Mortgage Loans will
consist principally of its contractual servicing obligations under the
related Pooling and Servicing Agreement (including its obligation to enforce
the obligations of the Sub-Servicers or Originators as more fully described
herein under "Mortgage Loan Program - Qualifications of Originators" and "The
Pooling and Servicing Agreement") and its obligation to make certain cash
advances in the event of delinquencies in payments on, or with respect to,
the Mortgage Loans. The obligations of a Servicer to make advances may be
subject to limitations, to the extent provided herein and in the related
Prospectus Supplement.
Single family loans will consist of mortgage loans or deeds of trust
secured by first or junior liens on one- to four-family residential
properties. The Mortgaged Properties relating to single family loans will
consist of detached or semi-detached one-family dwelling units, two-to
four-family dwelling units, townhouses, rowhouses, manufactured housing
permanently affixed to real estate under applicable state law, individual
condominium units in condominium developments, individual units in planned
unit developments, certain mixed use and other dwelling units, and rural
properties (generally defined as Mortgaged Properties containing more than
five acres of land). Such Mortgaged Properties may include owner-occupied
(which includes vacation and second homes) and non-owner occupied investment
properties.
If so specified, the single family loans may include mortgage loans or
deeds of trust secured by first or junior liens on units in low-or high-rise
condominium developments together with such condominium units' appurtenant
interests in the common elements of such condominium developments or
cooperative apartments. Unless otherwise specified in the related Prospectus
Supplement, the Cooperative Loans will be secured by security interests in or
similar liens on stock, shares or membership certificates issued by
cooperatives and in the related proprietary leases or occupancy agreements
granting exclusive rights to occupy specific dwelling units in such
cooperatives' buildings.
THE MORTGAGE POOLS
General
Each Mortgage Pool will consist primarily of conventional Mortgage Loans,
minus any portion of the payments due under the related Mortgage Note that
may have been retained by any Originator ("Originator's Retained Yield"), or
any other interest retained by the Sponsor or any affiliate of the Sponsor,
evidenced by promissory notes (the "Mortgage Notes") secured by mortgages or
deeds of trust or other similar security instruments creating a lien on
single-family (i.e., one- to four-family) residential properties, as more
fully described in the related Prospectus Supplement.
The Mortgaged Properties will consist primarily of owner-occupied
attached or detached one-family dwelling units, two-to four-family dwelling
units, condominiums, townhouses, row houses, manufactured housing, individual
units in planned-unit developments and certain other dwelling units, and the
fee, leasehold or other interests in the underlying real property. For a
Trust that elects to be treated as a REMIC, any Mortgaged Properties that
constitute manufactured housing shall be limited to "manufactured housing" as
defined in the Code provisions applicable to REMICs at the time of issuance.
The Mortgaged Properties may include vacation, second and non-owner occupied
homes. If specified in the related Prospectus Supplement relating to a
series of Securities, a Mortgage Pool may contain Cooperative Loans evidenced
by promissory notes ("Cooperative Notes") secured by security interests in
shares issued by cooperatives and in the related proprietary leases or
occupancy agreements granting exclusive rights to occupy specific dwelling
units in the related buildings. As used herein, unless the context indicates
otherwise, the term "Mortgage Loans" includes Cooperative Loans, the term
"Mortgaged Properties" includes shares in the related cooperative and the
related proprietary leases or occupancy agreements securing Cooperative
Notes, the term "Mortgage Notes" includes Cooperative Notes and the term
"Mortgages" includes security agreements with respect to Cooperative Notes.
Each Mortgage Loan will be selected by the Sponsor for inclusion in a
Mortgage Pool from among mortgage loans originated by the Originators, all as
described below under "Mortgage Loan Program." The characteristics of the
Mortgage Loans will be described in the related Prospectus Supplement. Other
mortgage loans available for acquisition
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by a Trust may have characteristics that would make them eligible for
inclusion in a Mortgage Pool but may not be selected by the Sponsor for
inclusion in such Mortgage Pool.
Each series of Securities will evidence interests in one or more Mortgage
Pool(s) containing Mortgage Loans having an aggregate principal balance of
not less than approximately $5,000,000 as of the related Cut-Off Date or
similar date specified in the applicable Prospectus Supplement. Each
Security will evidence an interest in only the related Mortgage Pool and
corresponding Trust Estate, and not in any other Mortgage Pool or any other
Trust Estate (except in those limited situations whereby certain collections
on any Mortgage Loans in a related Mortgage Pool in excess of amounts needed
to pay the related Securities may be deposited in a master reserve account or
otherwise applied in a manner that provides credit enhancement for more than
one series of Securities).
The Mortgage Pools
All of the Mortgage Loans in a Mortgage Pool will (i) have payments that
are due monthly or bi-weekly, (ii) be secured by Mortgaged Properties located
in any of the fifty states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico or any
other Territories of the United States and (iii) consist of one or more of
the following types of mortgage loans:
(a) Fixed-rate, fully-amortizing mortgage loans (which may
include mortgage loans converted from adjustable-rate mortgage
loans or otherwise modified) providing for level monthly payments
of principal and interest and terms at origination or
modification of generally not more than 30 years;
(b) ARM Loans having original or modified terms to maturity
of generally not more than 30 years with a related Mortgage Rate
that adjusts periodically, at the intervals described in the
related Prospectus Supplement (which may have adjustments in the
amount of monthly payments at periodic intervals) over the term
of the mortgage loan to equal the sum of a fixed percentage set
forth in the related Mortgage Note (the "Note Margin") and an
index (the "Index") to be specified in the related Prospectus
Supplement, such as, by way of example: (i) U.S. Treasury
securities of a specified constant maturity, (ii) weekly auction
average investment yield of U.S. Treasury bills of specified
maturities, (iii) the daily Bank Prime Loan rate made available
by the Federal Reserve Board or as quoted by one or more
specified lending institutions, (iv) the cost of funds of member
institutions for the Federal Home Loan Bank of San Francisco, or
(v) the interbank offered rates for U.S. dollar deposits in the
London Markets, each calculated as of a date prior to each
scheduled interest rate adjustment date that will be specified in
the related Prospectus Supplement. The related Prospectus
Supplement will set forth the relevant Index and the related
Prospectus Supplement or the related Current Report on Form 8-K
will indicate the highest, lowest and weighted-average Note
Margin with respect to the ARM Loans in the related Mortgage
Pool. If specified in the related Prospectus Supplement, an ARM
Loan may include a provision that allows the Mortgagor to convert
the adjustable Mortgage Rate to a fixed rate at some point during
the term of such ARM Loan subsequent to the initial payment date;
(c) Fixed-rate, graduated payment mortgage loans having
original or modified terms to maturity of generally not more than
30 years with monthly payments during the first year calculated
on the basis of an assumed interest rate that will be lower than
the Mortgage Rate applicable to such mortgage loan in subsequent
years. Deferred Interest, if any, will be added to the principal
balance of such mortgage loans;
(d) Balloon mortgage loans ("Balloon Loans"), which are
fixed-rate mortgage loans having original or modified terms to
maturity of generally 5 to 15 years as described in the related
Prospectus Supplement and that may have level monthly payments of
principal and interest based generally on a not more than 30-year
amortization schedule. The amount of the monthly payment may
remain constant until the maturity date, upon which date the full
outstanding principal balance on such Balloon Loan will be due
and payable (such amount, the "Balloon Amount"); or
(e) Modified mortgage loans ("Modified Loans"), which are
fixed or adjustable-rate mortgage loans providing for terms at
the time of modification of generally not more than 30 years.
Modified Loans may be mortgage loans that have been consolidated
and/or have had various terms changed, mortgage loans that have
been converted from adjustable rate mortgage loans to fixed rate
mortgage loans, or construction loans that have been converted to
permanent mortgage loans.
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As described in the related Prospectus Supplement, a Mortgage Pool may
contain (i) ARM Loans that allow the Mortgagors to convert the adjustable
rates on such Mortgage Loans to a fixed rate at some point during the life of
such Mortgage Loans, or (ii) fixed rate Mortgage Loans that allow the
Mortgagors to convert the fixed rates on such Mortgage Loans to an adjustable
rate at some point during the life of such Mortgage Loan (each such Mortgage
Loan, a "Convertible Mortgage Loan"). If specified in the related Prospectus
Supplement, upon any conversion, the Sponsor will repurchase or the Servicer,
the applicable Sub-Servicer, Originator, or a third party will purchase the
converted Mortgage Loan as and to the extent set forth in the related
Prospectus Supplement. Alternatively, if specified in the related Prospectus
Supplement, the Sponsor or the Servicer (or another party specified therein)
may agree to act as remarketing agent with respect to such converted Mortgage
Loans and, in such capacity, to use its best efforts to arrange for the sale
of converted Mortgage Loans under specific conditions. Upon the failure of
any party so obligated to purchase any such converted Mortgage Loan, the
inability of any remarketing agent to so arrange for the sale of the
converted Mortgage Loan and the unwillingness of the remarketing agent to
exercise any election to purchase the converted Mortgage Loan for its own
account, the related Mortgage Pool will thereafter include both fixed rate
and adjustable rate Mortgage Loans. In addition, certain Mortgage Loans,
that may be ARM Loans or Fixed Rate Mortgage Loans, may provide that the
interest rate thereon may decrease by a specified, maximum amount for so long
as the related Mortgagor has not become delinquent or has maintain a record
of current payments for a minimum amount of time.
As described in the related Prospectus Supplement, certain of the
Mortgage Loans may be Buydown Mortgage Loans pursuant to which the monthly
payments made by the Mortgagor during the Buydown Period will be less than
the scheduled monthly payments on the Mortgage Loan, the resulting difference
to be made up from (i) Buydown Funds funded by the Originator of the
Mortgaged Property or another source (including the Servicer or the related
Originator) and placed in the Buydown Account and (ii) if the Buydown Funds
are contributed on a present value basis, investment earnings on such Buydown
Funds. See "Description of the Securities - Payments on Mortgage Loans;
Deposits to Distribution Account" herein. The terms of the Buydown Mortgage
Loans, if such loans are included in a Trust, will be as set forth in the
related Prospectus Supplement.
The Sponsor and certain Originators may make certain representations and
warranties regarding the Mortgage Loans, but the Sponsor's assignment of the
Mortgage Loans to the Trustee will be without recourse. See "Description of
the Securities - Assignment of Mortgage Loans" herein. The Servicer's
obligations with respect to the Mortgage Loans will consist principally of
its contractual servicing obligations under the related Pooling and Servicing
Agreement (including its obligation to enforce certain purchase and other
obligations of Sub-Servicers and of Originators, as more fully described
herein under "Mortgage Loan Program - Representations by the Sponsor and
Originators," "- Sub-Servicing" and "Description of the Securities -
Assignment of Mortgage Loans," and its obligation to make certain cash
advances of interest in the event of delinquencies in payments on or with
respect to the Mortgage Loans and interest shortfalls due to prepayment of
Mortgage Loans, in amounts described herein under "Description of the
Securities - Advances"). The obligation of the Servicer to make delinquency
advances will be limited to amounts that the Servicer believes ultimately
will be recoverable out of the proceeds of liquidation of the Mortgage Loans.
See "Description of the Securities - Advances" herein.
MORTGAGE LOAN PROGRAM
Mortgage Loans to be included in a Mortgage Pool will have been
originated by the Sponsor directly or through Unaffiliated Originators or
purchased from Unaffiliated Originators in Bulk Acquisitions. Key
characteristics of the Mortgage Loans included in each Mortgage Pool,
including, without limitation, maturities, outstanding principal balance,
Loan-to-Value Ratios, property type, lien status, occupancy, Interest Rate
and geographic concentration of the related Mortgaged Properties, will be
described in the related Prospectus Supplement.
The Sponsor's Underwriting Process
This section provides a description of the underwriting process of the
Sponsor only and not of the Unaffiliated Originators. All Mortgage Loans
originated by the Sponsor directly or through Unaffiliated Originators will
comply with the Sponsor's process and procedures described herein.
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The Sponsor's underwriting process is intended to assess both the
prospective borrower's ability to repay the loan and the adequacy of the real
property security as collateral for the loan granted. The pricing and
required Loan-to-Value Ratios for a loan are established based on the
borrower's financial history, the loan type and the property type. The
Sponsor analyzes the equity in the collateral, the property type and the
payment history, debt-to-income ratio and the employment history of the
applicant. Mortgage loan packages generally include employment history,
documentation of income and assets, credit history of mortgage or rent,
property appraisal and title commitment. Specific processing forms contained
in the loan package vary with the Originator. Limited income verification
may be used under certain Mortgage Loan programs.
The homes used for collateral to secure the loans may be owner occupied
second homes, non-owner occupied rental properties or combination owner
occupied/rental properties, all of which are one- to four-family residences
(detached and semi-detached residences, row houses, townhouses, condominium
units or units in a planned unit development). In addition, loans may be
secured by manufactured homes with land if the manufactured homes are
permanently affixed and defined as real estate under applicable state law.
The value of each property proposed as security for a loan generally is
determined by an appraisal from a licensed independent appraiser based, as
applicable, on the cost, sales comparison and income approaches to value,
with additional information provided when appropriate. The appraisal is
analyzed by the Sponsor's underwriters to determine the acceptability of the
property as security for the loan requested. Alternative methods of
determining the value of a Mortgaged Property, such as taxing authority
valuations and real estate brokers' valuation opinions, may be accepted in
lieu of or in addition to appraisals in certain circumstances, such as
Mortgage Loans with Loan-to-Value Ratios of less than 50% or balances under
$25,000 if the Sponsor's underwriters determine such an alternative does not
increase the risk of having inadequate security for the Mortgage Loan.
The total amount of a loan generally includes origination fees, credit
life insurance premium, if any, prepaid interest and other closing costs.
"Loan-to-Value Ratio" or "LTV" is the percentage equal to the note amount
divided by the lesser of appraised value or the purchase price of the real
estate. The maximum Loan-to-Value Ratio for Sponsor loans is generally 95%,
although the Sponsor may allow a higher LTV in certain limited circumstances.
The maximum Loan-to-Value Ratio for non-owner occupied homes is generally
85%.
The Sponsor's guidelines provide for verification of employment status
and current earnings for most applicants, as well as review of the
applicant's financial condition and employment history based on information
provided by the applicant. The applicant's total monthly obligations
(including principal and interest on each mortgage, tax assessments, other
loans, charge accounts and all scheduled indebtedness) may not exceed 60% of
a borrower's gross monthly income.
The Sponsor requires a credit report by an independent, nationally
recognized credit reporting agency reflecting the applicant's credit history.
The credit report must reflect all delinquencies of 30 days or more,
repossessions, judgments, foreclosures, garnishments, bankruptcies and
similar instances of adverse credit that can be discovered by a search of
public records. Verification is required of any outstanding mortgage balance,
its status and whether local taxes, interest, insurance and assessments are
included in the applicant's monthly payment. All taxes and assessments not
included in the payment are required to be verified as current.
Certain laws protect loan applicants by permitting them to cancel the
loan after loan documents are signed but before the loan is funded, the
so-called "rescission period." The rescission period must have expired prior
to the funding of the loan.
The Sponsor's guidelines currently require title insurance coverage,
title search or an attorney's title opinion on each first lien loan it
originates with a principal amount in excess of $25,000. The Servicer or the
Originator of the Mortgage Loan is required to be named as the insured on the
title insurance policies and the addressee of the title opinion. In
addition, the Sponsor obtains a survey (or a locally customary substitute) of
the property on purchase money loans.
The borrower must obtain hazard insurance in an amount equal to
the lesser of (i) the loan amount, (ii) the replacement cost of the
improvements or (iii) the maximum insurable value of the property.
The Servicer requires that
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its name and address are properly added to the "mortgagee clause" of the
insurance policy. The borrower must obtain flood insurance in the same
amount if the primary improvements are located in an area identified as a
special flood hazard area.
After a loan is underwritten, approved and funded, the Servicer's closing
department personnel review the mortgage loan packages. A random sample of
the mortgage loan packages is subsequently subjected to a quality control
audit.
Bulk Guidelines
Bulk portfolios of Mortgage Loans may be originated by a variety of
Unaffiliated Originators under several different underwriting guidelines,
which guidelines may not be reviewed or verified by the Sponsor. As a
result, Mortgage Loans acquired in Bulk Acquisitions may not have been
originated pursuant to the requirements of the Sponsor's guidelines, as
described above. For example, the Sponsor may purchase Mortgage Loans in
bulk acquisitions with higher Loan-to-Value Ratios, without title insurance,
or with nonconforming appraisal methods such as tax assessments. With
respect to bulk portfolios of seasoned Mortgage Loans, the Sponsor's
underwriting review focuses primarily on payment histories and estimated
current values based on estimated property appreciation or depreciation and
loan amortization. Bulk Acquisition portfolios may be purchased servicing
released or retained. If servicing is retained, the Originator must (i)
demonstrate its ability to service the Mortgage Loans properly, and (ii)
qualify as a sub-servicer under the related Pooling and Servicing Agreements.
The Sponsor reunderwrites all or a statistically significant sample (never
less than 10%) of the Mortgage Loans acquired in a Bulk Acquisition for the
purpose of determining whether such Mortgage Loans meet the Sponsor's
guidelines. The extent of such reunderwriting will depend on factors such as
the Sponsor's prior experience with the Originator, the size of the pool of
loans acquired and the ability of the Originator to meet its obligations
concerning Mortgage Loan representations and warranties.
Qualifications of Originators
During 1996 the Sponsor originated or acquired mortgage loans through 564
Unaffiliated Originators located in 25 states. Originators in each of
Tennessee, Ohio and Michigan originated mortgage loans accounting for 10% or
more of the Sponsor's total mortgage loan origination volume for 1996. The
number and geographic distribution of Originators through whom the Sponsor
originated or acquired the Mortgage Loans included in the Mortgage Pool for a
series of Securities will be specified in the related Prospectus Supplement.
Except in the case of Mortgage Loans acquired from an Originator in
connection with a Bulk Acquisition, each Originator from which a Mortgage
Loan is acquired will have been accepted by the Sponsor for participation in
the Sponsor's mortgage loan program. The Sponsor acquires loans nationwide
from a network of correspondents through the Servicer. The Sponsor has
produced procedural manuals containing detailed guidelines for processing,
underwriting and closing loans that are designed, in the Sponsor's opinion,
to produce quality loans and consistent procedures, and provides such manuals
to all Originators who regularly submit mortgage loans to the Sponsor. The
material provisions of the Sponsor's procedural manuals include (i) a summary
of the Sponsor's guidelines, as described above, (ii) a list of contact
persons at the Sponsor's offices and (iii) directions and forms for
submitting mortgage loans to the Sponsor. All Unaffiliated Originators are
subject to an approval process to determine financial status, experience and
compliance with state licensing requirements. The Sponsor has, however, no
minimum requirements for an Originator's net worth or length of experience.
Rather, the Sponsor's emphasis is on the evidence of the Originator's ability
to originate Mortgage Loans that are reasonably consistent with the Sponsor's
guidelines. Upon approval, all Unaffiliated Originators are required to
execute an agreement containing certain representations and warranties
regarding such Unaffiliated Originator and the related loans with the
Servicer prior to any loan closing. Appraisers and closing agents must also
meet the Sponsor's guidelines, including verification of certification or
licensing, and evidence of financial responsibility. Mortgage Loans (other
than Mortgage Loans acquired in Bulk Acquisitions) will be closed using the
Servicer's loan closing documents or on the Originator's loan documents that
have been approved by the Servicer's legal counsel.
The Servicer will monitor the Originators and the Sub-Servicers
that are insolvent or in receivership or conservatorship or otherwise
financially distressed. Such Originators may not be able or permitted
to repurchase Mortgage Loans for which there has been a breach of
representation and warranty. Moreover, any such Originator may
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make no representations and warranties with respect to Mortgage Loans sold by
it. If, as a result of a breach of representation and warranty, an
Originator is required to repurchase a Mortgage Loan but is not permitted or
otherwise fails to do so or if representations and warranties are not made by
an Originator, the Sponsor will be required to repurchase such Mortgage Loan.
Representations by the Sponsor and Originators
To the extent specified in the related Prospectus Supplement, the Sponsor
will make representations and warranties in respect of the Mortgage Loans
evidenced by a series of Securities. Such representations and warranties
include, at a minimum, that at the time of the sale by the Sponsor of each
Mortgage Loan: (i) the information with respect to each Mortgage Loan set
forth in the Schedules of Mortgage Loans is true and correct in all material
respects as of the related Cut-Off Date; (ii) each Mortgage Loan being
transferred to the Trust that is a REMIC is a qualified mortgage under the
REMIC provisions of the Code and is a Mortgage; (iii) each Mortgaged Property
is improved by a residential dwelling, which may include condominiums,
townhouses and manufactured housing classified as real estate under
applicable state law; (iv) except as to loans with balances under $25,000,
each Mortgage Loan had, at the time of origination, either an attorney's
title opinion or a title search or title policy; (v) as of the related
Cut-Off Date each Mortgage Loan conveyed is secured by a valid and subsisting
lien of record on the Mortgaged Property having the priority indicated on the
related Schedule of Mortgage Loans subject in all cases to exceptions to
title set forth in the title insurance policy, if any, with respect to the
related Mortgage Loan; (vi) the Sponsor held good and indefeasible title to,
and was the sole owner of, each Mortgage Loan; and (vii) each Mortgage Loan
was originated in accordance in all material respects with applicable law and
is the valid, legal and binding obligation of the related Mortgagor.
In addition, an Originator may make representations and warranties with
respect to Mortgage Loans sold by it that are later included in a Mortgage
Pool. All of the representations and warranties of an Originator conveying a
Mortgage Loan to the Sponsor through the Servicer will be made as of the date
on which such Originator sells or assigns the Mortgage Loan to the Servicer;
thus the date as of which such representations and warranties are made may be
a date prior to the date of the issuance of the related series of Securities.
A substantial period of time may elapse between the date as of which the
representations and warranties are made and the later date of issuance of the
related series of Securities. Accordingly, any remedies of the Sponsor
against the Originator will not arise if, after the date of sale of a
Mortgage Loan by the Originator to the Servicer, an event occurs that would
give rise to such remedy if the event had occurred prior to sale of the
affected Mortgage Loan.
The Sponsor will assign to the Trustee for the benefit of the holders of
the related series of Securities all of its right, title and interest in each
agreement by which it acquires a Mortgage Loan from an Originator insofar as
such agreement relates to the representations and warranties made by an
Originator in respect of such Mortgage Loan and any remedies provided for
breach of such representations and warranties. If an Originator cannot cure
a breach of any representation or warranty made by it in respect of a
Mortgage Loan that materially and adversely affects the interests of the
Securityholders in such Mortgage Loan within a time period specified in the
related Pooling and Servicing Agreement, the Sponsor will be obligated to
purchase from the related Trust such Mortgage Loan at a price (the "Loan
Purchase Price") set forth in the related Pooling and Servicing Agreement,
which Loan Purchase Price will be equal to the principal balance thereof as
of the date of purchase plus one month's interest at the Mortgage Rate less
the amount, expressed as a percentage per annum, payable in respect of master
servicing compensation or sub-servicing compensation, as applicable, and the
Originator's Retained Yield, if any, and certain miscellaneous administrative
amounts, together with, without duplication, the aggregate amount of all
delinquent interest, if any.
In addition to the repurchase obligation, the Sponsor may remove
a defective Mortgage Loan (a "Deleted Mortgage Loan") from the related
Trust and substitute in its place another Mortgage Loan of like kind
(a "Qualified Replacement Mortgage" as such term is defined in the
related Pooling and Servicing Agreement); however, such substitution
must be effected within 90 days of the date of the initial issuance of
the Securities with respect to a Trust for which no REMIC election is
to be made. With respect to a Trust for which a REMIC election is to
be made, such substitution of a defective Mortgage Loan must be
effected within two years of the date of the initial issuance of the
Securities, and may not be made if such substitution would cause the
Trust to not qualify as a REMIC or result in a prohibited transaction
tax under the Code. Any Qualified Replacement Mortgage will, on the
date of substitution, (i) have an outstanding principal balance, after
deduction of all scheduled payments due in the month of substitution,
not in excess of the outstanding principal balance of the Deleted
Mortgage Loan (the amount of any shortfall to be paid to
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the related Trust in the month of substitution for distribution to the
Securityholders), (ii) have a Mortgage Rate neither more than one percentage
point less than nor one percentage point more than the Mortgage Rate of the
Deleted Mortgage Loan as of the date of substitution, (iii) have a remaining
term to maturity neither more than one year less than nor one year more than
that of the Deleted Mortgage Loan, and (iv) comply with all of the
representations and warranties set forth in the related Pooling and Servicing
Agreement as of the date of substitution. The related Pooling and Servicing
Agreement may include additional requirements relating to ARM Loans or other
specific types of Mortgage Loans or additional provisions relating to meeting
the foregoing requirements on an aggregate basis where a number of
substitutions occur contemporaneously. An Originator will also have the
option to substitute a replacement Mortgage Loan for a Mortgage Loan that it
is obligated to repurchase in connection with a breach of a representation
and warranty.
The Servicer will be required under the applicable Pooling and Servicing
Agreement to enforce such purchase or substitution obligations for the
benefit of the Trustee and the Securityholders, following the practices it
would employ in its good faith business judgment if it were the owner of such
Mortgage Loan; provided, however, that this purchase or substitution
obligation will in no event become an obligation of the Servicer in the event
the Originator fails to honor such obligation (unless, with respect to a
particular Mortgage Loan the Servicer is the Originator). If the Originator
fails to repurchase or substitute a loan, the Originator's purchase or
substitution obligation will become an obligation of the Sponsor even if no
breach of the Sponsor's representations has occurred. Unless otherwise
specified in the related Prospectus Supplement, the foregoing will constitute
the sole remedy available to Securityholders or the Trustee for a breach of
representation by an Originator in its capacity as a seller of Mortgage Loans
to the Sponsor.
Notwithstanding the foregoing with respect to any Originator that
requests the Servicer's consent to the transfer of sub-servicing rights
relating to any Mortgage Loans to a successor servicer, the Servicer may
release such Originator from liability, under its representations and
warranties described above, upon the assumption by such successor servicer of
the Originator's liability for such representations and warranties as of the
date they were made. In that event, the Servicer's rights under the
instrument by which such successor servicer assumes the Originator's
liability will be assigned to the Trustee, and such successor servicer shall
be deemed to be the "Originator" for purposes of the foregoing provisions.
Sub-Servicing
An Originator (other than the Servicer) of a Mortgage Loan may act as the
Sub-Servicer for such Mortgage Loan unless the other related servicing
obligations are released or transferred. The Servicer may employ
Sub-Servicers that neither originate mortgage loans nor originated the
Mortgage Loans with respect to all or a portion of the servicing duties with
respect to a particular Mortgage Pool, or with respect to particular Mortgage
Loans; such Sub-Servicers shall be referred to as "Contract Sub-Servicers."
Each Unaffiliated Originator is expected to release servicing of the
related Mortgage Loans to the Servicer, however in certain cases,
Unaffiliated Originators may act as Sub-Servicers for the related Mortgage
Loans pursuant to an agreement between the related Unaffiliated Originator
and the Servicer (a "Sub-Servicing Agreement"). An Unaffiliated Originator
acting as a Sub-Servicer for the Mortgage Loans will be required to meet
certain standards specified in the Prospectus Supplement with respect to its
conventional Mortgage Loan servicing portfolio, GAAP tangible net worth,
cash/warehouse line availability, mortgage servicing licensing status and
other specified qualifications. Contract Sub-Servicers shall be required to
satisfy standards similar to those for Unaffiliated Originators; however, the
Servicer will be directly responsible to the Trusts for Servicing Mortgage
Loans in compliance with the standards set forth in the Pooling and Servicing
Agreement. The Servicer will be responsible for the compensation of any
Contract Sub-Servicer and such compensation shall be inclusive in the
Servicer's fees.
While such a Sub-Servicing Agreement will be a contract solely between
the Servicer and the Sub-Servicer, the Pooling and Servicing Agreement
pursuant to which a series of Securities is issued will provide that the
Trustee or the Servicer must recognize the Sub-Servicer's rights and
obligations under such Sub-Servicing Agreement. If a Pooling and Servicing
Agreement of a related series of Securities provides for the use of one or
more Sub-Servicers, such terms of the Pooling and Servicing Agreement and the
related Sub-Servicing Agreement will be specified in the related Prospectus
Supplement.
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The related Prospectus Supplement may specify that with the approval of
the Servicer, a Sub-Servicer may delegate its servicing obligations to
third-party servicers, but in such event such Sub-Servicer will remain
obligated under the related Sub-Servicing Agreement. Each Sub-Servicer will
be required to perform the customary functions of a servicer, including
collection of payments from Mortgagors and remittance of such collections to
the Servicer; maintenance of hazard insurance and filing and settlement of
claims thereunder, subject in certain cases to the right of the Servicer to
approve in advance any such settlement; maintenance of escrow or impound
accounts of Mortgagors for payment of taxes, insurance and other items
required to be paid by the Mortgagor pursuant to the Mortgage Loan;
processing of assumptions or substitutions; attempting to cure delinquencies;
supervising foreclosures; inspecting and managing of Mortgaged Properties
under certain circumstances; and maintaining accounting records relating to
the Mortgage Loans. A Sub-Servicer also may be obligated to make advances to
the Servicer in respect of delinquent installments of principal and/or
interest (net of any sub-servicing or other compensation) on Mortgage Loans,
as described more fully herein under "Description of the Securities
- - Advances," and in respect of certain taxes and insurance premiums not paid
on a timely basis by Mortgagors. A Sub-Servicer may also be obligated to pay
to the Servicer any Compensating Interest with respect to the related
Mortgage Loans. No assurance can be given that the Sub-Servicers will carry
out their advance or payment obligations, if any, with respect to the
Mortgage Loans. The related Prospectus Supplement may specify that, with the
prior approval of the Servicer, a Sub-Servicer may transfer its servicing
obligations to another entity that has been approved for participation in the
Sponsor's loan purchase programs.
As compensation for its servicing duties, the Sub-Servicer may be
entitled to a monthly servicing fee in a minimum amount set forth in the
related Prospectus Supplement. The Sub-Servicer may also be entitled to
collect and retain, as part of its servicing compensation, any late charges
or prepayment penalties provided in the Mortgage Note or related instruments.
The Sub-Servicer will be reimbursed by the Servicer for certain expenditures
that it makes, generally to the same extent that the Servicer would be
reimbursed under the applicable Pooling and Servicing Agreement from the loan
proceeds. Compensation for the services of the Sub-Servicer shall be paid by
the Servicer as a general corporate obligation of the Servicer. See "The
Pooling and Servicing Agreement - Servicing and Other Compensation and
Payment of Expenses; Originator's Retained Yield" herein.
Each Sub-Servicer will be required to agree to indemnify the Servicer for
any liability or obligation sustained by the Servicer in connection with any
act or failure to act by the Sub-Servicer in its servicing capacity. Each
Sub-Servicer will be required to maintain a fidelity bond and an errors and
omission policy with respect to its officers, employees and other persons
acting on its behalf or on behalf of the Servicer.
Each Sub-Servicer will be required to service each Mortgage Loan pursuant
to the terms of the Sub-Servicing Agreement for the entire term of such
Mortgage Loan, unless the Sub-Servicing Agreement is terminated earlier by
the Servicer or the Sub-Servicer or unless servicing is released to the
Servicer. The Servicer generally may terminate a Sub-Servicing Agreement
immediately upon the giving of notice upon certain stated events, including
the violation of such Sub-Servicing Agreement by the Sub-Servicer, or upon
thirty days' notice to the Sub-Servicer without cause upon payment of an
amount equal to a specified termination fee calculated as a specified
percentage of the aggregate outstanding principal balance of all mortgage
loans, including the Mortgage Loans serviced by such Sub-Servicer pursuant to
a Sub-Servicing Agreement and certain transfer fees.
The Servicer may agree with a Sub-Servicer to amend a Sub-Servicing
Agreement. Upon termination of a Sub-Servicing Agreement, the Servicer may
act as servicer of the related Mortgage Loans or enter into one or more new
Sub-Servicing Agreements. If the Servicer acts as servicer, it will not
assume liability for the representations and warranties of the Sub-Servicer
that it replaces. If the Servicer enters into a new Sub-Servicing Agreement,
each new Sub-Servicer either must be an Originator, meet the standards for
becoming an Originator or have such servicing experience that is otherwise
satisfactory to the Servicer. The Servicer may make reasonable efforts to
have the new Sub-Servicer assume liability for the representations and
warranties of the terminated Sub-Servicer, but no assurance can be given that
such an assumption will occur and, in any event, if the new Sub-Servicer is
an affiliate of the Servicer, the liability for such representations and
warranties will not be assumed by such new Sub-Servicer. In the event of
such an assumption, the Servicer may in the exercise of its business judgment
release the terminated Sub-Servicer from liability in respect of such
representations and warranties. Any amendments to a Sub-Servicing Agreement
or to a new Sub-Servicing Agreement may contain provisions different from
those described above that are in effect in the original Sub-Servicing
Agreements. However, the Pooling and Servicing Agreement for each Trust
Estate will provide that any
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such amendment or new agreement may not be inconsistent with such Pooling and
Servicing Agreement to the extent that it would materially and adversely
affect the interests of the Securityholders.
DESCRIPTION OF THE SECURITIES
General
The Securities will be issued in series. Each series of Securities (or,
in certain instances, two or more series of Securities) will be issued
pursuant to a Pooling and Servicing Agreement. The following summaries
(together with additional summaries under "The Pooling and Servicing
Agreement" below) describe all material terms and provisions relating to the
Securities common to each Pooling and Servicing Agreement. 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 Pooling and Servicing
Agreement for the related Trust and to the related Prospectus Supplement.
The Securities will consist of two basic types: (i) Securities of the
fixed-income type ("Fixed-Income Securities") and (ii) Securities of the
equity participation type ("Equity Securities"). No Class of Equity
Securities will be offered pursuant to this Prospectus or any Prospectus
Supplement related hereto. Fixed-Income Securities generally will be styled
as Debt Instruments, having a principal balance and a specified interest rate
("Interest Rate"). Fixed-Income Securities may be either beneficial
ownership interests in the related Mortgage Loans held by the related Trust,
or may represent debt secured by such Mortgage Loans. Each series or class
of Fixed-Income Securities may have a different Interest Rate, which may be a
fixed, variable or adjustable Interest Rate. The related Prospectus
Supplement will specify the Interest Rate for each series or class of
Fixed-Income Securities, or the initial Interest Rate and the method for
determining subsequent changes to the Interest Rate.
A series may include one or more classes of Fixed-Income Securities
("Strip Securities") entitled to (i) principal distributions, with
disproportionate, nominal or no interest distributions, or (ii) interest
distributions, with disproportionate, nominal or no principal distributions.
In addition, a series may include two or more classes of Fixed-Income
Securities that differ as to timing, sequential order, priority of payment,
Interest Rate or amount of distributions of principal or interest or both, or
as to which distributions of principal or interest or both on any class may
be made upon the occurrence of specified events, in accordance with a
schedule or formula, or on the basis of collections from designated portions
of the related Mortgage Pool, which series may include one or more classes of
Fixed-Income Securities ("Accrual Securities"), as to which certain accrued
interest will not be distributed but rather will be added to the principal
balance (or nominal principal balance in the case of Accrual Securities that
are also Strip Securities) thereof on each Payment Date in the manner
described in the related Prospectus Supplement.
If so provided in the related Prospectus Supplement, a series of
Securities may include one or more classes of Fixed-Income Securities
(collectively, the "Senior Securities") that are senior to one or more
classes of Fixed-Income Securities (collectively, the "Subordinate
Securities") in respect of certain distributions of principal and interest
and allocations of losses on Mortgage Loans. In addition, certain classes of
Senior (or Subordinate) Securities may be senior to other classes of Senior
(or Subordinate) Securities in respect of such distributions or losses.
Equity Securities will represent the right to receive the proceeds of the
related Trust Estate after all required payments have been made to the
Securityholders of the related Fixed-Income Securities (both Senior
Securities and Subordinate Securities), and following any required deposits
to any reserve account that may be established for the benefit of the
Fixed-Income Securities. Equity Securities may constitute what are commonly
referred to as the "residual interest," "seller's interest" or the "general
partnership interest," depending upon the treatment of the related Trust for
federal income tax purposes. As distinguished from the Fixed-Income
Securities, the Equity Securities will not be styled as having principal and
interest components. Any losses suffered by the related Trust first will be
absorbed by the related class of Equity Securities, as described herein and
in the related Prospectus Supplement.
No Class of Equity Securities will be offered pursuant to this Prospectus
or any Prospectus Supplement related hereto. Equity Securities may be
offered on a private placement basis or pursuant to a separate Registration
Statement to be filed by the Sponsor. In addition, the Sponsor and its
affiliates may initially or permanently hold any Equity Securities issued by
any Trust.
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General Payment Terms of Securities
As provided in the related Pooling and Servicing Agreement and as
described in the related Prospectus Supplement, Securityholders will be
entitled to receive payments on their Securities on specified dates ("Payment
Dates"). Payment Dates with respect to Fixed-Income Securities will occur
monthly, quarterly or semi-annually, as described in the related Prospectus
Supplement.
The related Prospectus Supplement will describe a date (the "Record
Date") preceding such Payment Date, as of which the Trustee or its paying
agent will fix the identity of the Securityholders for the purpose of
receiving payments on the next succeeding Payment Date. Unless otherwise
described in the related Prospectus Supplement, the Payment Date will be the
twenty-fifth day of each month (or, in the case of quarterly-pay Securities,
the twenty-fifth day of every third month; and in the case of
semi-annually-pay Securities, the twenty-fifth day of every sixth month) and
the Record Date will be the close of business as of the last day of the
calendar month that precedes such Payment Date.
The related Prospectus Supplement and Pooling and Servicing Agreement
will describe the periods (each, a "Remittance Period" or "Due Period")
antecedent to each Payment Date (for example, in the case of monthly-pay
Securities, the calendar month preceding the month in which a Payment Date
occurs or such other specified period). Unless otherwise provided in the
related Prospectus Supplement, collections received on or with respect to the
related Mortgage Loans during a Remittance Period will be required to be
remitted by the Servicer to the related Trustee prior to the related Payment
Date, and will be used to distribute payments to Securityholders on such
Payment Date. As may be described in the related Prospectus Supplement, the
related Pooling and Servicing Agreement may provide that all or a portion of
the principal collected on or with respect to the related Mortgage Loans may
be applied by the related Trustee to the acquisition of additional Mortgage
Loans during a specified period (rather than used to distribute payments of
principal to Securityholders during such period) with the result that the
related securities possess an interest-only period, also commonly referred to
as a revolving period, which will be followed by an amortization period. Any
such interest-only or revolving period may, upon the occurrence of certain
defaults by the Sponsor or Servicer, terminate prior to the end of the
specified period and result in the earlier than expected amortization of the
related Securities. Such defaults will generally include (i) the failure of
the Sponsor to repurchase Mortgage Loans that are the subject of breached
representations and warranties, (ii) the failure of the Servicer to perform
its obligations as Servicer in accordance with the related Pooling and
Servicing Agreement and (iii) losses on Mortgage Loans in the related
Mortgage Pool that exceed levels specified in the related Pooling and
Servicing Agreement, all as more particularly described in the related
Prospectus Supplement.
In addition, and as may be described in the related Prospectus
Supplement, the related Pooling and Servicing Agreement may provide that all
or a portion of such collected principal may be retained by the Trustee (and
held in certain temporary investments, including Mortgage Loans) for a
specified period prior to being used to distribute payments of principal to
Securityholders.
The result of such retention and temporary investment by the Trustee of
such principal would be to slow the amortization rate of the related
Securities relative to the amortization rate of the related Mortgage Loans,
or to attempt to match the amortization rate of the related Securities to an
amortization schedule established at the time such Securities are issued.
Any such feature applicable to any Securities may terminate upon the
occurrence of events described above and as more particularly described in
the related Prospectus Supplement, resulting in the current funding of
principal payments to the related Securityholders and an acceleration of the
amortization of such Securities.
The Securities and the underlying Mortgage Loans will not be guaranteed
or insured by any governmental agency or instrumentality or the Sponsor, the
Servicer, any Sub-Servicer, any Originator or any of their affiliates.
Securities of each series covered by a particular Pooling and
Servicing Agreement will evidence specified beneficial ownership
interest in a separate Trust Estate created pursuant to such Pooling
and Servicing Agreement. A Trust Estate will consist of, to the
extent provided in the Pooling and Servicing Agreement: (i) a pool of
Mortgage Loans (and the related mortgage documents) underlying a
particular series of Securities as from time to time are subject to
the Pooling and Servicing Agreement, exclusive of, if specified in the
related Prospectus Supplement, any Originator's Retained Yield or
other interest retained by the related Originator, the Sponsor or any
of its affiliates with
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respect to each such Mortgage Loan; (ii) certain other assets including,
without limitation, all payments due on the Mortgage Loans after the related
Cut-Off Date, as from time to time are identified as deposited in respect
thereof in the Principal and Interest Account and in the related Distribution
Account; (iii) property acquired by foreclosure of the Mortgage Loans or deed
in lieu of foreclosure; (iv) hazard insurance policies and primary insurance
policies, if any, and certain proceeds thereof; and (v) any combination, as
specified in the related Prospectus Supplement, of a letter of credit,
financial guaranty insurance policy, purchase obligation, mortgage pool
insurance policy, special hazard insurance policy, bankruptcy bond, reserve
fund or other type of credit enhancement as described herein under
"Description of Credit Enhancement."
Form of Securities
The related Prospectus Supplement will specify whether the Securities of
each series will be issued as physical certificates ("Definitive Securities")
in fully registered form; if so specified, the Definitive Securities will be
issued only in the denominations specified in the related Prospectus
Supplement, and will be transferable and exchangeable at the corporate trust
office of the registrar of the Securities (the "Security Registrar") named in
the related Prospectus Supplement. No service charge will be made for any
registration of exchange or transfer of Securities, but the Trustee may
require payment of a sum sufficient to cover any tax or other governmental
charge.
The related Prospectus Supplement will also specify whether certain
classes of a series of Securities will be issued in uncertificated book-entry
form ("Book-Entry Securities"), and will be registered in the name of Cede,
the nominee of 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 and
a "clearing agency" registered pursuant to the provisions of Section 17A of
the Exchange Act. 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 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 brokers, dealers, banks and trust companies that clear through or
maintain a custodial relationship with a Participant, either directly or
indirectly ("Direct Participants" or "Indirect Participants").
Under a book-entry format, Securityholders that are not Participants or
Indirect Participants but desire to purchase, sell or otherwise transfer
ownership of Securities registered in the name of Cede, as nominee of DTC,
may do so only through Participants and Indirect Participants. In addition,
such Securityholders will receive all distributions of principal of and
interest on the Securities from the Trustee through DTC and its Participants.
Under a book-entry format, Securityholders will receive payments after the
related Payment Date because, while payments are required to be forwarded to
Cede, as nominee for DTC, on each such date, DTC will forward such payments
to its Participants which thereafter will be required to forward such
payments to Indirect Participants or Securityholders. Unless and until
Definitive Securities are issued, it is anticipated that the only
Securityholder will be Cede, as nominee of DTC, and that the beneficial
holders of Securities will not be recognized by the Trustee as
Securityholders under the Pooling and Servicing Agreement. The beneficial
holders of such Securities will only be permitted to exercise the rights of
Securityholders under the Pooling and Servicing Agreement indirectly through
DTC and its 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 Securities and is
required to receive and transmit payments of principal of and interest on the
Securities. Participants and Indirect Participants with which
Securityholders have accounts with respect to their Securities similarly are
required to make book-entry transfers and receive and transmit such payments
on behalf of their respective Securityholders. Accordingly, although
Securityholders will not possess Securities, the rules provide a mechanism by
which Securityholders will receive distributions and will be able to transfer
their interests.
Unless and until Definitive Securities are issued,
Securityholders who are not Participants may transfer ownership of
Securities only through Participants by instructing such Participants
to transfer Securities, by book-entry transfer, through DTC for the
account of the purchasers of such Securities, which account is
maintained with their respective Participants. Under the Rules and in
accordance with DTC's normal procedures, transfers of ownership of
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Securities will be executed through DTC and the accounts of the respective
Participants at DTC will be debited and credited. Similarly, the respective
Participants will make debits or credits, as the case may be, on their
records on behalf of the selling and purchasing Securityholders.
Because DTC can only act on behalf of Direct Participants, who in turn
act on behalf of Indirect Participants and certain banks, the ability of a
Securityholder to pledge Securities to persons or entities that do not
participate in the DTC system, or otherwise take actions in respect of such
Securities may be limited due to the lack of a physical certificate for such
Securities.
DTC in general advises that it will take any action permitted to be taken
by a Securityholder under a Pooling and Servicing Agreement only at the
direction of one or more Participants to whose account with DTC the related
Securities are credited. Additionally, DTC in general advises that it will
take such actions with respect to specified percentages of the
Securityholders only at the direction of and on behalf of Participants whose
holdings include current principal amounts of outstanding Securities that
satisfy such specified percentages. DTC may take conflicting actions with
respect to other current principal amounts of outstanding Securities to the
extent that such actions are taken on behalf of Participants whose holdings
include such current principal amounts of outstanding Securities.
Any Securities initially registered in the name of Cede, as nominee of
DTC, will be issued in fully registered, certificated form as Definitive
Securities to Securityholders or their nominees, rather than to DTC or its
nominee only under the events specified in the related Pooling and Servicing
Agreement and described in the related Prospectus Supplement. Upon the
occurrence of any of the events specified in the related Pooling and
Servicing Agreement and the Prospectus Supplement, DTC will be required to
notify all Participants of the availability through DTC of Definitive
Securities. Upon surrender by DTC of the securities representing the
Securities and instruction for re-registration, the Trustee will issue the
Securities in the form of Definitive Securities, and thereafter the Trustee
will recognize the holders of such Definitive Securities as Securityholders.
Thereafter, payments of principal of and interest on the Securities will be
made by the Trustee directly to Securityholders in accordance with the
procedures set forth herein and in the Pooling and Servicing Agreement. The
final distribution of any Security (whether Definitive Securities or
Securities registered in the name of Cede), however, will be made only upon
presentation and surrender of such Securities on the final Payment Date at
such office or agency as is specified in the notice of final payment to
Securityholders.
Assignment of Mortgage Loans
At the time of issuance of a series of Securities, the Sponsor will cause
the Mortgage Loans being included in the related Trust Estate to be assigned
to the Trustee together with all principal and interest due on or after the
Cut-Off Date with respect to such Mortgage Loan, other than principal and
interest due before the Cut-Off Date. If specified in the related Prospectus
Supplement, the Sponsor or any of its affiliates may retain the Originator's
Retained Yield, if any, for itself or transfer the same to others. The
Trustee will, concurrently with such assignment, deliver a series of
Securities to the Sponsor in exchange for the Mortgage Loans. Each Mortgage
Loan will be identified in a schedule appearing as an exhibit to the related
Pooling and Servicing Agreement. Such schedule will include, among other
things, information as to the principal balance of each Mortgage Loan as of
the Cut-Off Date, as well as information regarding the Mortgage Rate, the
currently scheduled monthly payment of principal and interest and the
maturity of the Mortgage Note.
In connection with the issuance of a series of Securities, the
Originators will be required to deliver to the Sponsor, who in turn will
deliver to the Trustee or other permitted document custodian, which may
include the Servicer, a file consisting of (i) the original Notes or
certified copies thereof, endorsed by the Originator thereof in blank or to
the order of the holder, (ii) originals (or certified copies) of all
intervening assignments, showing a complete chain of title from origination
to the applicable Originators, if any, including warehousing assignments,
with evidence of recording or certification of filing for recordation
thereon, (iii) originals (or certified copies) of all assumption and
modification agreements, if any, and (iv) either: (a) the original Mortgage,
with evidence of recording thereon, (b) a true and accurate copy of the
Mortgage where the original has been transmitted for recording, until such
time as the original is returned by the public recording office or (c) a copy
of the Mortgage certified by the public recording office in those instances
where the original recorded Mortgage has been lost. The Trustee will agree,
for the benefit of the Securityholders, to review each such file delivered to
it within the time period specified in the related Pooling
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and Servicing Agreement to ascertain that all required documents (or
certified copies of documents) have been executed and received. The related
Pooling and Servicing Agreement may provide for multiple document custodians.
The Originators are additionally required to cause to be prepared and
recorded, within the time period specified in the related Pooling and
Servicing Agreement (or, if original recording information is unavailable,
within such later period as is permitted by the Pooling and Servicing
Agreement) assignments of the Mortgages from the Originators to the Trustee,
in the appropriate jurisdictions in which such recordation is necessary to
perfect the lien thereof as against creditors of or purchasers from the
Originators, to the Trustee; provided, however, that if the Originators
furnish to the Trustee an opinion of counsel, or other documentation
acceptable to the Trustee, to the effect that no such recording is necessary
to perfect the Trustee's interests in the Mortgages with respect to one or
more jurisdictions, then such recording will not be required with respect to
such jurisdictions.
If the Sub-Servicer or Originator does not cure an omission or defect in
a required document within the time period specified in the related Pooling
and Servicing Agreement (or such other minimum notice period under applicable
state law) after notice is given to the Servicer and such omission or defect
materially and adversely affects the rights of the Securityholders or the
Trust, the Sub-Servicer or Originator, as the case may be, will be obligated
to purchase the related Mortgage Loan from the Trustee at its Loan Purchase
Price (or, if specified in the related Prospectus Supplement, will be
permitted to substitute for such Mortgage Loan under the conditions specified
in the related Prospectus Supplement). The Servicer will be obligated to
enforce this obligation of the Sub-Servicer or Originator, as the case may
be, to the extent described above under "Mortgage Loan Program
- - Representations by the Sponsor and Originators." Neither the Servicer nor
the Sponsor will, however, be obligated to purchase or substitute for such
Mortgage Loan if the Sub-Servicer or Originator, as the case may be, defaults
on its obligation to do so, and there can be no assurance that a Sub-Servicer
or Originator, as the case may be, will carry out any such obligation. Such
purchase obligation constitutes the sole remedy available to the
Securityholders or the Trustee for omission of, or a material defect in, a
constituent document.
The Trustee will be authorized at any time to appoint a custodian
pursuant to a custodial agreement to maintain possession of and, if
applicable, to review the documents relating to the Mortgage Loans as the
agent of the Trustee. The identity of any such custodian to be appointed on
the date of initial issuance of the Securities will be set forth in the
related Prospectus Supplement.
Pursuant to each Pooling and Servicing Agreement, the Servicer, either
directly or through Sub-Servicers, will service and administer the Mortgage
Loans assigned to the Trustee as more fully set forth below.
Forward Commitments; Pre-Funding
A Trust may enter into an agreement (each, a "Forward Purchase
Agreement") with the Sponsor whereby the Sponsor will agree to transfer
additional Mortgage Loans to such Trust following the date on which such
Trust is established and the related Securities are issued. The Trust may
enter into Forward Purchase Agreements to permit the acquisition of
additional Mortgage Loans that could not be delivered by the Sponsor or have
not formally completed the origination process, in each case prior to the
date on which the Securities are delivered to the Securityholders (the
"Closing Date"). Any Forward Purchase Agreement will require that any
Mortgage Loans so transferred to a Trust conform to the requirements
specified in such Forward Purchase Agreement. Such Mortgage Loans will
conform to the same underwriting standards, and will be transferred subject
to the same Sponsor representations and warranties, as Mortgage Loans
transferred to the Trust as of the Closing Date If a Forward Purchase
Agreement is to be utilized, as more fully described in the related
Prospectus Supplement, the Sponsor will be required to deposit in a
segregated account (each, a "Pre-Funding Account") up to 100% of the proceeds
received in connection with the sale of one or more classes of Securities of
the related series; the additional Mortgage Loans will be transferred to the
related Trust in exchange for money released to the Sponsor from the related
Pre-Funding Account. Each Forward Purchase Agreement will establish a
specified period during which any such transfers must occur. The Forward
Purchase Agreement or the related Pooling and Servicing Agreement will
require that, if all moneys originally deposited to such Pre-Funding Account
are not so used by the end of such specified period, then any remaining
moneys will be applied as a mandatory prepayment of the related class or
classes of Securities as specified in the related Prospectus Supplement. The
related Prospectus Supplement will specify the period for the acquisition by
a Trust of additional Mortgage Loans, which period will not exceed three
months from the date such Trust is established.
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The Sponsor's agreements with Originators establish non-exclusive
relationships that permit Originators to sell mortgage loans to, or originate
them for, other lenders. In addition, no agreement with any Originator
requires the Originator to offer a minimum number or dollar volume of
mortgage loans to the Sponsor in any given time frame, or requires the
Sponsor to purchase a minimum volume of mortgage loans from such Originator.
Accordingly, no agreement with any Originator provides any assurance that
eligible mortgage loans sufficient to meet the terms of any Forward Purchase
Agreement will be available for transfer to a Trust during the related
acquisition period. If a Pooling and Servicing Agreement provides for a
Pre-Funding Account and the principal balance of additional Mortgage Loans
delivered by the related Originator during the related acquisition period is
less than the amount on deposit in the Pre-Funding Account at the beginning
of such period, the Securityholders of the related series may receive a
prepayment of principal as and to the extent described in the related
Prospectus Supplement. In addition, if so specified in the Prospectus
Supplement relating to a series of Securities, an amortization period may
result from the failure of the Sponsor to assign additional Mortgage Loans to
the related Trust during the acquisition period, thereby resulting in a
prepayment of the related Securities. Any such principal prepayment may
adversely affect the yield to maturity of the related Securities. Because
prevailing interest rates are subject to fluctuation, there can be no
assurance that investors will be able to reinvest such a prepayment at yields
equaling or exceeding the yields on the related Securities. It is possible
that the yield on any such reinvestment will be lower, and may be
significantly lower, than the yield on the related Securities.
Each additional Mortgage Loan will be of a type specified herein, will be
underwritten in accordance with the Sponsor's guidelines and will satisfy any
additional eligibility criteria specified in the related Prospectus
Supplement. Such eligibility criteria will be determined in consultation
with each Rating Agency (and/or any credit enhancement provider for the
related series) prior to the issuance of such series to ensure that such
additional Mortgage Loans will not cause the aggregate characteristics of the
related Mortgage Pool to vary materially from those of the initial Mortgage
Pool, or that any such variation is within parameters that were taken into
account at the time the initial ratings were assigned to the Securities of
the related series. The Sponsor will be required to certify that all
conditions precedent to the transfer of such additional Mortgage Loans,
including the satisfaction of specific eligibility criteria, have been
satisfied. It will be a condition to the transfer of any additional Mortgage
Loans by the Sponsor for inclusion in the related Mortgage Pool that each
Rating Agency, after receiving prior notice of any such proposed transfer,
shall not have advised the Sponsor or the Trustee or any credit enhancement
provider for the series that the conveyance of such additional Mortgage Loans
will result in a qualification, modification or withdrawal of its then
current rating of the related Securities. The inclusion of additional
Mortgage Loans in a Mortgage Pool for a series of Securities may affect, in
some instances adversely, the performance of the related Securities, even if
the aggregate characteristics of such Mortgage Pool do not vary as a result
of the inclusion of such additional Mortgage Loans. The Sponsor will provide
tabular information on additional Mortgage Loans similar to that included in
the related Prospectus Supplement in the Detailed Description filed under
cover of a Current Report on Form 8-K within 15 days of the end of the
acquisition period.
The ability of any Trust to invest in additional Mortgage Loans during
the related acquisition period and, in the case of a series of Securities,
any revolving period, will be dependent upon the ability of the Sponsor to
acquire Mortgage Loans that satisfy the prerequisites to transfer for
inclusion in the related Mortgage Pool specified in the related Prospectus
Supplement. The ability of the Sponsor to acquire such Mortgage Loans will
be affected by a variety of social and economic factors, including the
prevailing level of market interest rates, unemployment levels and consumer
perceptions of general economic conditions.
Payments on Mortgage Loans; Deposits to Distribution Account
The Servicer will deposit or will cause to be deposited into the
Principal and Interest Account certain payments and collections received by
it subsequent to the related Cut-Off Date (other than payments due on or
before the Cut-Off Date), as specifically set forth in the related Pooling
and Servicing Agreement, which generally will include the following except as
otherwise provided therein:
(i) all payments on account of principal, including principal payments
received and applied in advance of the date on which the related
monthly payment is due (the "Due Date") ("Principal Prepayments"),
on the Mortgage Loans comprising a Trust Estate;
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(ii) all payments on account of interest on the Mortgage Loans
comprising such Trust Estate, net of the portion of each
payment thereof retained by the Servicer and the Sub-Servicer,
if any, as their servicing fee or other compensation;
(iii) all amounts (net of unreimbursed liquidation expenses and
insured expenses incurred, and unreimbursed advances made, by
the Servicer or the related Sub-Servicer) received and retained,
if any, in connection with the liquidation of any defaulted
Mortgage Loan, by foreclosure, deed in lieu of foreclosure or
otherwise ("Liquidation Proceeds"), including all proceeds of
any title, hazard or other insurance policy covering any
Mortgage Loan in such Mortgage Pool ("Insurance Proceeds")
proceeds from any alternative arrangements established in lieu
of any such insurance and described in the applicable Prospectus
Supplement, other than proceeds to be applied to the restoration
of the related property or released to the Mortgagor in
accordance with the Servicer's normal servicing procedures
(such amounts, net of related unreimbursed expenses and advances
of the Servicer, "Net Liquidation Proceeds");
(iv) any Buydown Funds (and, if applicable, investment earnings
thereon) required to be paid to Securityholders, as described
below;
(v) all proceeds of any Mortgage Loan in such Trust Estate purchased
(or, in the case of a substitution, certain amounts representing
a principal adjustment) by the Servicer, the Sponsor, any
Sub-Servicer or Originator or any other person pursuant to the
terms of the Pooling and Servicing Agreement. See "Mortgage
Loan Program - Representations by the Sponsor and Originators"
and "- Assignment of Mortgage Loans" above; and
(vi) any amounts required to be transferred from the Distribution
Account to the Principal and Interest Account.
In addition to the Principal and Interest Account, the Servicer shall
cause to be established and the Trustee will maintain, at the corporate trust
office of the Trustee, in the name of the Trust for the benefit of the
holders of each series of Securities, an account for the disbursement of
payments on the Mortgage Loans evidenced by each series of Securities (the
"Distribution Account"). Both the Principal and Interest Account and the
Distribution Account must be (x) maintained with a depository institution
whose debt obligations at the time of any deposit therein meet certain rating
criteria, and (y) (i) an account or accounts the deposits in which are fully
insured to the limits established by the Federal Deposit Insurance
Corporation (the "FDIC"), (ii) an account maintained at a federal savings and
loan or state banking institution, (iii) an account maintained at a principal
subsidiary of a bank holding company, (iv) an account maintained at a
national banking association, or (v) such other account or accounts
acceptable to the Rating Agency or Agencies that rated one or more classes of
Securities of such series (an "Eligible Account") as described in the related
Prospectus Supplement. A Distribution Account may be maintained as an
interest-bearing or a non-interest-bearing account, or funds therein may be
invested in Permitted Investments as described below. The Principal and
Interest Account may contain funds relating to more than one series of
Securities as well as payments received on other mortgage loans serviced or
master serviced by the Servicer that have been deposited into the Principal
and Interest Account. The Servicer will be entitled to any interest or other
income or gain realized with respect to the funds on deposit in the Principal
and Interest Accounts.
The collateral that is eligible to secure amounts in an Eligible Account
described in (ii), (iii), (iv) or (v) above is limited to certain permitted
investments, which are generally limited to United States government
securities and other high-quality investments ("Permitted Investments"). No
Permitted Investments will be of a type such that the Trust will be required
to register as an investment company under the Investment Company Act.
Permitted Investments are defined as follows:
(a) Direct general obligations of the United States or the obligations
of any agency or instrumentality of the United States fully and
unconditionally guaranteed, the timely payment or the guarantee of which
constitutes a full faith and credit obligation of the United States.
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(b) Federal Housing Administration debentures, but excluding any such
securities whose terms do not provide for payment of a fixed dollar amount
upon maturity or call for redemption.
(c) FHLMC senior debt obligations, but excluding any such securities
whose terms do not provide for payment of a fixed dollar amount upon
maturity or call for redemption.
(d) FNMA senior debt obligations, but excluding any such securities
whose terms do not provide for payment of a fixed dollar amount upon
maturity or call for redemption.
(e) Federal funds, certificates of deposit, time and demand deposits,
and bankers' acceptances (having original maturities of not more than 365
days) of any domestic bank, the short-term debt obligations of which have
been rated at least the Minimum Required Rating.
(f) Deposits of any bank or savings and loan association which has
combined capital, surplus and undivided profits of at least $50,000,000
which deposits are not in excess of the applicable limits insured by the
Bank Insurance Fund or the Savings Association Insurance Fund of the FDIC,
provided that the long-term deposits of such bank or savings and loan
association are rated at least the Minimum Required Rating.
(g) Commercial paper (having original maturities of not more than
270 days) rated at least the Minimum Required Rating.
(h) Investments in money market or common trust funds rated at least
the Minimum Required Rating.
(i) Such other investments as have been approved in writing by the
appropriate Rating Agency or Rating Agencies and the Certificate Insurer
and would not require registration of the Trust as an investment company
under the Investment Company Act;
provided that no instrument described above is permitted to evidence either
the right to receive (a) only interest with respect to obligations underlying
such instrument or (b) both principal and interest payments derived from
obligations underlying such instrument and the interest and principal
payments with respect to such instrument provided a yield to maturity at par
greater than 120% of the yield to maturity at par of the underlying
obligations; and provided, further, that no instrument described above may be
purchased at a price greater than par if such instrument may be prepaid or
called at a price less than its purchase price prior to stated maturity. Any
Permitted Investment may be purchased by or through the Trustee or any of its
affiliates. "Minimum Required Rating" shall mean the minimum rating for such
investment type required by the appropriate Rating Agency or Rating Agencies
as specified in the related Prospectus Supplement.
As more fully described in the related Prospectus Supplement and Pooling
and Servicing Agreement, not later than a specified day preceding each
Payment Date (the "Remittance Date"), the Servicer will withdraw from the
Principal and Interest Account and remit to the Trustee for deposit into the
applicable Distribution Account, in immediately available funds, the amount
to be distributed therefrom to Securityholders on such Payment Date. The
Servicer will remit to the Trustee for deposit into the Distribution Account
the amount of any advances made by the Servicer as described herein under
"Advances," any amounts required to be paid by the Servicer out of its own
funds due to the operation of a deductible clause in any blanket policy
maintained by the Servicer to cover hazard losses on the Mortgage Loans as
described herein under "Hazard Insurance; Claims Thereunder" and any other
amounts as specifically set forth in the related Pooling and Servicing
Agreement. The Trustee will cause all payments under any credit enhancement
such as a financial guaranty insurance policy or a letter of credit to be
deposited in the Distribution Account prior to the close of business on the
business day next preceding each Payment Date.
Funds on deposit in the Principal and Interest Account attributable to
Mortgage Loans underlying a series of Securities may be invested in Permitted
Investments maturing in general not later than the business day preceding the
next Payment Date. All income and gain realized from any such investment
will be for the account of the Servicer. Funds on deposit in the related
Distribution Account may be invested in Permitted Investments maturing, in
general, no later than the Payment Date.
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If applicable, each Sub-Servicer servicing a Mortgage Loan pursuant to a
Sub-Servicing Agreement will establish and maintain an account (the
"Sub-Servicing Account") that generally meets the requirements set forth in
the Sponsor's guidelines from time to time, and is otherwise acceptable to
the Servicer.
Any Sub-Servicer will be required to deposit into its Sub-Servicing
Account all amounts described above under "Mortgage Loan Program -
Sub-Servicing" that are received by it in respect of the Mortgage Loans, less
its servicing fee or other compensation.
With respect to each Buydown Mortgage Loan, the Sub-Servicer will deposit
the related Buydown Funds provided to it in a Buydown Account that will
comply with the requirements set forth herein with respect to a Sub-Servicing
Account. The terms of all Buydown Mortgage Loans provide for the
contribution of Buydown Funds in an amount equal to or exceeding either (i)
the total payments to be made from such funds pursuant to the related buydown
plan or (ii) if such Buydown Funds are to be deposited on a discounted basis,
that amount of Buydown Funds that, together with investment earnings thereon
at a rate as set forth in the Sponsor's guidelines from time to time, will
support the scheduled level of payments due under the Buydown Mortgage Loan.
Neither the Servicer nor the Sponsor will be obligated to add to any such
discounted Buydown Funds any of its own funds should investment earnings
prove insufficient to maintain the scheduled level of payments. To the
extent that any such insufficiency is not recoverable from the Mortgagor or,
in an appropriate case, from the related Originator or the related
Sub-Servicer, distributions to Securityholders may be affected. With respect
to each Buydown Mortgage Loan, the Sub-Servicer will withdraw from the
Buydown Account and remit to the Servicer on or before the date specified in
the Sub-Servicing Agreement described above the amount, if any, of the
Buydown Funds (and, if applicable, investment earnings thereon) for each
Buydown Mortgage Loan that, when added to the amount due from the Mortgagor
on such Buydown Mortgage Loan, equals the full monthly payment that would be
due on the Buydown Mortgage Loan if it were not subject to the buydown plan.
If the Mortgagor on a Buydown Mortgage Loan prepays such Mortgage Loan in
its entirety during the Buydown Period, the Sub-Servicer will withdraw from
the Buydown Account and remit to the Mortgagor or such other designated party
in accordance with the related buydown plan any Buydown Funds remaining in
the Buydown Account. If a prepayment by a Mortgagor during the Buydown
Period together with Buydown Funds will result in full prepayment of a
Buydown Mortgage Loan, the Sub-Servicer will generally be required to
withdraw from the Buydown Account and remit to the Servicer the Buydown Funds
and investment earnings thereon, if any, that together with such prepayment
will result in a prepayment in full; provided that Buydown Funds may not be
available to cover a prepayment under certain Mortgage Loan programs. Any
Buydown Funds so remitted to the Servicer in connection with a prepayment
described in the preceding sentence will be deemed to reduce the amount that
would be required to be paid by the Mortgagor to repay fully the related
Mortgage Loan if the Mortgage Loan were not subject to the buydown plan. Any
investment earnings remaining in the Buydown Account after prepayment or
after termination of the Buydown Period will be remitted to the related
Mortgagor or such other designated party pursuant to the agreement relating
to each Buydown Mortgage Loan (the "Buydown Agreement"). If the Mortgagor
defaults during the Buydown Period with respect to a Buydown Mortgage Loan
and the property securing such Buydown Mortgage Loan is sold in liquidation
(either by the Servicer, the Primary Insurer, the insurer under the mortgage
pool insurance policy (the "Pool Insurer") or any other insurer), the
Sub-Servicer will be required to withdraw from the Buydown Account the
Buydown Funds and all investment earnings thereon, if any, and remit the same
to the Servicer or, if instructed by the Servicer, pay the same to the
Primary Insurer or the Pool Insurer, as the case may be, if the Mortgaged
Property is transferred to such insurer and such insurer pays all of the loss
incurred in respect of such default.
Withdrawals from the Principal and Interest Account
The Servicer may, from time to time, make withdrawals from the Principal
and Interest Account for certain purposes, as specifically set forth in the
related Pooling and Servicing Agreement, which generally will include the
following except as otherwise provided therein:
(i) to effect the timely remittance to the Trustee for deposit to the
Distribution Account in the amounts and in the manner provided in
the Pooling and Servicing Agreement and described in "- Payments
on Mortgage Loans; Deposits to Distribution Account" above;
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(ii) to reimburse itself or any Sub-Servicer for Delinquency
Advances or Servicing Advances as to any Mortgaged Property,
out of late payments or collections on the related Mortgage
Loan with respect to which such Delinquency Advances or
Servicing Advances were made or from subsequent collections
on the Mortgage Loans deposited to the Principal Interest
Account;
(iii) to withdraw investment earnings on amounts on deposit in the
Principal and Interest Account;
(iv) to pay the Sponsor or its assignee all amounts allocable to the
Originator's Retained Yield out of collections or payments that
represent interest on each Mortgage Loan (including any Mortgage
Loan as to which title to the underlying Mortgaged Property was
acquired);
(v) to withdraw amounts that have been deposited in the Principal
and Interest Account in error; and
(vi) to clear and terminate the Principal and Interest Account in
connection with the termination of the Trust Estate pursuant
to the Pooling and Servicing Agreement, as described in "The
Pooling and Servicing Agreement - Termination; Retirement of
Securities" herein.
Distributions
Beginning on the Payment Date in the month following the month (or, in
the case of quarterly-pay Securities, the third month following such month
and each third month thereafter or, in the case of semi-annually-pay
Securities, the sixth month following such month and each sixth month
thereafter) in which the Cut-Off Date occurs (or such other date as may be
set forth in the related Prospectus Supplement) for a series of Securities,
distributions of principal and interest (or, where applicable, of principal
only or interest only) on each class of Securities entitled thereto will be
made either by the Trustee or a paying agent appointed by the Trustee (the
"Paying Agent"), to the persons who are registered as the Securityholders of
such Securities at the close of business as of the Record Date in proportion
to their respective Percentage Interests. To the extent described in the
related Prospectus Supplement, interest that accrues and is not payable on a
class of Securities will be added to the principal balance of each Security
of such class in proportion to its Percentage Interest. The undivided
percentage interest (the "Percentage Interest") represented by a Security of
a particular class will be equal to the percentage obtained by dividing the
initial principal balance or notional amount of such Security by the
aggregate initial amount or notional balance of all the Securities of such
class. Distributions will be made in immediately available funds (by wire
transfer or otherwise) 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 the Paying Agent, as the case may be, and the
applicable Pooling and Servicing Agreement provides for such form of payment,
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 (other than any Book-Entry
Securities) will be made only upon presentation and surrender of the
Securities at the office or agency of the Trustee specified in the notice to
Securityholders of such final distribution.
Principal and Interest on the Securities
The method of determining, and the amount of, distributions of principal
and interest (or, where applicable, of principal only or interest only) on a
particular series of Securities will be described in the related Prospectus
Supplement. Each class of Securities (other than certain classes of Strip
Securities) may bear interest at a different interest rate (the "Pass-Through
Rate"), which may be a fixed or adjustable Pass-Through Rate. The related
Prospectus Supplement will specify the Pass-Through Rate for each class, or
in the case of an adjustable Pass-Through Rate, the initial Pass-Through Rate
and the method for determining the Pass-Through Rate. Interest on the
Securities generally will be calculated either on the basis of a 360-day year
consisting of twelve 30-day months or, in the case of certain Securities
bearing an adjustable Pass-Through Rate, on the basis of the actual number of
days elapsed in the period for which interest is being paid, divided by 360.
On each Payment Date for a series of Securities, the Trustee will
distribute or cause the Paying Agent to distribute, as the case may
be, to each holder of record on the Record Date of a class of
Securities, an amount equal to the Percentage Interest represented by
the Security held by such holder multiplied by such class'
Distribution Amount. The Distribution Amount for a class of
Securities for any Payment Date will be the portion, if any, of the
Principal
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Distribution Amount (as defined in the related Prospectus Supplement)
allocable to such class for such Payment Date, as described in the related
Prospectus Supplement, plus, if such class is entitled to payments of
interest on such Payment Date, the interest accrued at the applicable
Pass-Through Rate on the principal balance or notional amount of such class,
as specified in the applicable Prospectus Supplement, less (to the extent
specified in the Prospectus Supplement) the amount of any Deferred Interest
added to the principal balance of the Mortgage Loans and/or the outstanding
balance of one or more classes of Securities on the related Due Date,
allocable to Securityholders that are not covered by advances or the
applicable credit enhancement, in each case in such amount that is allocated
to such class on the basis set forth in the Prospectus Supplement.
As may be described in the related Prospectus Supplement, the related
Pooling and Servicing Agreement may provide that all or a portion of the
principal collected on or with respect to the related Mortgage Loans may be
applied by the related Trustee to the acquisition of additional Mortgage
Loans during a specified period (rather than used to fund payments of
principal to Securityholders during such period) with the result that the
related securities will possess an interest-only period, also commonly
referred to as a revolving period, that will be followed by an amortization
period. Any such interest-only or revolving period may, upon the occurrence
of defaults or breaches of representations and warranties by the Sponsor or
Servicer, as more particularly described in the related Prospectus
Supplement, terminate prior to the end of the specified period and result in
the earlier than expected amortization of the related Securities.
In addition, and as may be described in the related Prospectus
Supplement, the related Pooling and Servicing Agreement may provide that all
or a portion of such collected principal may be retained by the Trustee (and
held in certain temporary investments, including Mortgage Loans) for a
specified period prior to being used to fund payments of principal to
Securityholders.
In the case of a series of Securities that includes two or more classes
of Securities, the timing, sequential order, priority of payment or amount of
distributions in respect of principal, and any schedule or formula or other
provisions applicable to the determination thereof (including distributions
among multiple classes of Senior Securities or Subordinate Securities) of
each such class shall be as provided in the related Prospectus Supplement.
Distributions in respect of principal of any class of Securities will be made
on a pro rata basis among all of the Securities of such class.
Except as otherwise provided in the related Pooling and Servicing
Agreement, on or prior to the 15th day (or if such day is not a business day,
the next succeeding business day or such other date specified in the Pooling
and Servicing Agreement) of the month of distribution (the "Determination
Date"), the Servicer will provide the Trustee, (and the Credit Enhancer, if
any) with a monthly servicing report. Except as otherwise provided in the
related Pooling and Servicing Agreement, on or prior to one business day
after the related Remittance Date (or such earlier or later day as shall be
agreed by a Financial Guaranty Insurer, if applicable, and Trustee) of the
month of distribution, the Trustee will use the monthly servicing report to
determine the amounts of principal and interest that will be passed through
to Securityholders on the immediately succeeding Payment Date. If the amount
in the Principal and Interest Account is insufficient to cover the amount to
be passed through to Securityholders, the Trustee will, prior to the related
Payment Date, notify a Financial Guaranty Insurer or any other person
required to be notified pursuant to the related Pooling and Servicing
Agreement.
Advances
As to be described in the related Prospectus Supplement, the Servicer may
be required, not later than each Remittance Date, to deposit into the
Principal and Interest Account an amount equal to the sum of the scheduled
interest payments or such other minimum monthly remittance amount, if any, as
provided in the related Pooling and Servicing Agreement (net of the Servicing
Fees and certain administrative amounts) due, but not collected, with respect
to delinquent Mortgage Loans during the prior Remittance Period, but only if,
in its good faith business judgment, the Servicer believes that such amount
will ultimately be recovered from the related Mortgage Loan. Such amounts
are "Delinquency Advances." The Servicer will be permitted to fund its
payment of Delinquency Advances on any Remittance Date from collections on
any Mortgage Loan deposited to the Principal and Interest Account subsequent
to the related Remittance Period and will be required to deposit into the
Principal and Interest Account with respect thereto (i) collections from the
Mortgagor whose delinquency gave rise to the shortfall that resulted in such
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Delinquency Advance and (ii) Net Liquidation Proceeds recovered on account of
the related Mortgage Loan to the extent of the amount of aggregate
Delinquency Advances related thereto.
A Mortgage Loan is considered delinquent if any payment due thereon is
not made by the close of business on the day such payment is scheduled to be
due. No Mortgage Loan would be reported as delinquent, however, until the
first reporting date after which the Mortgage Loan is at least 30 days
delinquent because delinquencies of less than 30 days are not reported.
The Servicer will be required to pay all "out of pocket" costs and
expenses incurred in the performance of its servicing obligations, but only
to the extent that the Servicer reasonably believes that such amounts are
recoverable and will be reimbursable out of the proceeds of liquidation of
the related Mortgage Loan and will increase Net Liquidation Proceeds on the
related Mortgage Loan. Each such amount so paid will constitute a "Servicing
Advance." The Servicer may recover Servicing Advances to the extent
permitted by the Mortgage Loans or, if not theretofore recovered from the
Mortgagor on whose behalf such Servicing Advance was made, from liquidation
proceeds realized upon the liquidation of the related Mortgage Loan. In no
case may the Servicer recover Servicing Advances from the principal and
interest payments on any specific Mortgage Loan.
Notwithstanding the foregoing, if the Servicer exercises its option, if
any, to purchase the assets of a Trust Estate as described herein under "The
Pooling and Servicing Agreement - Termination; Retirement of Securities," the
Servicer will be deemed to have been reimbursed for all related advances
previously made by it and not theretofore reimbursed to it. The Servicer's
obligation to make advances may be supported by credit enhancement as
described in the related Pooling and Servicing Agreement. In the event that
the provider of such support is downgraded by a Rating Agency rating the
related Securities or if the collateral supporting such obligation is not
performing or is removed pursuant to the terms of any agreement described in
the related Prospectus Supplement, the Securities may also be downgraded.
Reports to Securityholders
With each distribution to Securityholders of a particular class the
Trustee will forward or cause to be forwarded to each holder of record of
such class of Securities a statement or statements with respect to the
related Trust setting forth the information specifically described in the
related Pooling and Servicing Agreement, which generally will include the
following as applicable except as otherwise provided therein:
(i) the amount of the distribution with respect to each class of
Securities;
(ii) the amount of such distribution allocable to principal,
separately identifying the aggregate amount of any prepayments
or other recoveries of principal included therein;
(iii) the amount of such distribution allocable to interest;
(iv) the aggregate unpaid Principal Balance of the Mortgage Loans
after giving effect to the distribution of principal on such
Payment Date;
(v) with respect to a series consisting of two or more classes,
the outstanding principal balance or notional amount of each
class after giving effect to the distribution of principal on
such Payment Date;
(vi) the amount of coverage under any letter of credit, mortgage
pool insurance policy or other form of credit enhancement
covering default risk as of the close of business on the
applicable Determination Date and a description of any credit
enhancement substituted therefor;
(vii) information furnished by the Sponsor pursuant to section
6049(d)(7)(C) of the Code and the regulations promulgated
thereunder to assist Securityholders in computing their market
discount;
(viii) the total of any Substitution Amounts and any Loan Purchase
Price amounts included in such distribution; and
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(ix) a number with respect to each class (the "Pool Factor")
computed by dividing the principal balance of all certificates
in such class (after giving effect to any distribution of
principal to be made on such Payment Date) by the original
principal balance of certificates of such class on the Closing
Date.
Items (i) through (iii) above shall, with respect to each class of
Securities, be presented on the basis of a certificate having a $1,000
denomination. In addition, by January 31 of each calendar year following any
year during which Securities are outstanding, the Trustee shall furnish a
report to each Securityholder of record at any time during each calendar year
as to the aggregate amounts reported pursuant to (i), (ii) and (iii) with
respect to the Securities for such calendar year. If a class of Securities
is in book-entry form, DTC will supply such reports to the Securityholders in
accordance with its procedures.
In addition, on each Payment Date the Trustee will forward or cause to be
forwarded additional information, as of the close of business on the last day
of the prior calendar month, as more specifically described in the related
Pooling and Servicing Agreement, which generally will include the following
as applicable except as otherwise provided therein:
(i) the total number of Mortgage Loans and the aggregate principal
balances thereof, together with the number, percentage and
aggregate principal balances of Mortgage Loans (a) 30-59 days
delinquent, (b) 60-89 days delinquent and (c) 90 or more days
delinquent;
(ii) the number, percentage, aggregate Mortgage Loan balances and
status of all Mortgage Loans in foreclosure proceedings (and
whether any such Mortgage Loans are also included in any of
the statistics described in the foregoing clause (i));
(iii) the number, percentage and aggregate Mortgage Loan balances of
all Mortgage Loans relating to Mortgagors in bankruptcy
proceedings (and whether any such Mortgage Loans are also
included in any of the statistics described in the foregoing
clause (i));
(iv) the number, percentage and aggregate Mortgage Loan balances of
all Mortgage Loans relating to the status of any Mortgaged
Properties as to which title has been taken in the name of, or
on behalf of the Trustee (and whether any such Mortgage Loans
are also included in any of the statistics described in the
foregoing clause (i)); and
(v) the book value of any real estate acquired through foreclosure
or grant of a deed in lieu of foreclosure.
Each Pooling and Servicing Agreement shall provide that the
Securityholders will have the right to request a Securityholder list. Any
Securityholder in a Trust may apply in writing to the related Trustee, and
such application shall state that the Securityholder desires to communicate
with other Securityholders with respect to their rights under the related
Pooling and Servicing Agreement. Such written request shall be accompanied
by a copy of the communication that such Securityholder proposes to transmit
to other Securityholders. The Trustee shall furnish such Securityholder list
to such requesting Securityholder within ten business days after receipt of
the application.
Collection and Other Servicing Procedures
Acting directly or through one or more Sub-Servicers as provided in the
related Pooling and Servicing Agreement, the Servicer, is required to service
and administer the Mortgage Loans in accordance with the Pooling and
Servicing Agreement and with reasonable care, and using that degree of skill
and attention that the Servicer exercises with respect to comparable mortgage
loans that it services for itself or others.
The duties of the Servicer include collecting and posting of all
payments, responding to inquiries of Mortgagors or by federal, state or local
government authorities with respect to the Mortgage Loans, investigating
delinquencies, reporting tax information to Mortgagors in accordance with its
customary practices and accounting for collections and furnishing monthly and
annual statements to the Trustee with respect to distributions and making
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Delinquency Advances and Servicing Advances. The Servicer is required to
follow its customary standards, policies and procedures in performing its
duties as Servicer.
The Servicer (i) is authorized and empowered to execute and deliver, on
behalf of itself, the Securityholders and the Trustee or any of them, any and
all instruments of satisfaction or cancellation, or of partial or full
release or discharge and all other comparable instruments, with respect to
the Mortgage Loans and with respect to the related Mortgaged Properties; (ii)
may consent to any modification of the terms of any Note not expressly
prohibited by the Pooling and Servicing Agreement if the effect of any such
modification (x) will not materially and adversely affect the security
afforded by the related Mortgaged Property (other than as permitted by the
related Pooling and Servicing Agreement) or the timing of receipt of any
payments required thereunder; and (y) will not cause a Trust that is a REMIC
to fail to qualify as a REMIC.
The related Pooling and Servicing Agreement will require the Servicer to
follow such collection procedures as it follows from time to time with
respect to mortgage loans in its servicing portfolio that are comparable to
the Mortgage Loans. The Servicer may in its discretion (i) waive any
assumption fees, late payment charges, charges for checks returned for
insufficient funds, prepayment fees, if any, or the fees that may be
collected in the ordinary course of servicing the Mortgage Loans, (ii) if a
Mortgagor is in default or about to be in default because of a Mortgagor's
financial condition, arrange with the Mortgagor a schedule for the payment of
delinquent payments due on the related Mortgage Loan, subject to the
satisfaction of certain conditions specified in the related Pooling and
Servicing Agreement, or (iii) modify payments of monthly principal and
interest on any Mortgage Loan becoming subject to the terms of the Relief Act
in accordance with the Servicer's general policies for comparable mortgage
loans subject to the Relief Act.
The Servicer will be required to foreclose upon or otherwise comparably
effect the ownership on behalf of the Trust of Mortgaged Properties relating
to defaulted Mortgage Loans as to which no satisfactory arrangements can be
made for collection of delinquent payments. The related Pooling and
Servicing Agreement will require the Servicer to take into account the
existence of any hazardous substances, hazardous wastes or solid wastes, as
such terms are defined in the federal Comprehensive Environmental Response,
Compensation and Liability Act of 1980 ("CERCLA"), the Response Conservation
and Recovery Act of 1976, or other federal, state or local environmental
legislation, in determining whether to foreclose upon a Mortgaged Property,
or otherwise comparably effect the ownership of such Mortgaged Property on
behalf of the Trust.
When a Mortgaged Property has been or is about to be conveyed by the
Mortgagor, the Servicer will be required, to the extent it has knowledge of
such conveyance or prospective conveyance, to exercise its rights to
accelerate the maturity of the related Mortgage Loan under any "due-on-sale"
clause contained in the related Mortgage or Note; provided, however, that the
Servicer will not be required to exercise any such right if (i) the
"due-on-sale" clause, in the reasonable belief of the Servicer, is not
enforceable under applicable law or (ii) the Servicer reasonably believes
that to permit an assumption of the Mortgage Loan would not materially and
adversely affect the interests of Securityholders or the Financial Guaranty
Insurer, if any, or jeopardize coverage under any primary insurance policy or
applicable credit enhancement arrangements. In such event, the Servicer will
be required to enter into an assumption and modification agreement with the
person to whom such Mortgaged Property has been or is about to be conveyed,
pursuant to which such person becomes liable under the Mortgage Note and,
unless prohibited by applicable law or the related documents, the Mortgagor
remains liable thereon. If the foregoing is not permitted under applicable
law, the Servicer will be authorized to enter into a substitution of
liability agreement with such person, pursuant to which the original
Mortgagor is released from liability and such person is substituted as
Mortgagor and becomes liable under the Mortgage Note. The assumed loan must
conform in all respects to the requirements, representations and warranties
of the Pooling and Servicing Agreement. See "Certain Legal Aspects of
Mortgage Loans and Related Matters - Enforceability of Certain Provisions"
herein.
Realization upon Defaulted Mortgage Loans
The Servicer shall foreclose upon or otherwise comparably effect the
ownership on behalf of the Trust of Mortgaged Properties relating to
defaulted Mortgage Loans as to which no satisfactory arrangements can be made
for collection of delinquent payments and that the Servicer has not purchased
pursuant to the related Pooling and Servicing Agreement (such Mortgage Loans,
"REO Property"). In connection with such foreclosure or other conversion,
the
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Servicer shall exercise such of the rights and powers vested in it under the
related Pooling and Servicing Agreement, and use the same degree of care and
skill in their exercise or use, as prudent mortgage lenders would exercise or
use under the circumstances in the conduct of their own affairs, including,
but not limited to, advancing funds for the payment of taxes, amounts due
with respect to senior liens and insurance premiums. Any amount so advanced
shall constitute a "Servicing Advance." The Servicer shall sell any REO
Property within 23 months of its acquisition by the Trust, unless the
Servicer obtains for the Trustee an opinion of counsel experienced in federal
income tax matters, addressed to the Trustee, a Financial Guaranty Insurer,
if applicable, and the Servicer, to the effect that the holding by the Trust
of such REO Property for any greater period will not result in the imposition
of taxes on "Prohibited Transactions" of the Trust as defined in Section 860F
of the Code or, if a REMIC election has been made, cause the Trust to fail to
qualify as a REMIC under the REMIC Provisions at any time that any Securities
are outstanding, in which case the Servicer shall sell any REO Property by
the end of any extended period specified in any such opinion.
Notwithstanding the generality of the foregoing provisions, the Servicer
shall manage, conserve, protect and operate each REO Property for the
Securityholders solely for the purpose of its prompt disposition and sale in
a manner that does not cause such REO Property to fail to qualify as
"foreclosure property" within the meaning of Section 860G(a)(8) of the Code
or result in the receipt by the Trust of any "income from non-permitted
assets" within the meaning of Section 860F(a)(2)(B) of the Code or any "net
income from foreclosure property" that is subject to taxation under the REMIC
Provisions. Pursuant to its efforts to sell such REO Property, the Servicer
shall either itself or through an agent selected by the Servicer protect and
conserve such REO Property in the same manner and to such extent as is
customary in the locality where such REO Property is located and may,
incident to its conservation and protection of the interests of the
Securityholders, rent the same, or any part thereof, as the Servicer deems to
be in the best interest of the Securityholders for the period prior to the
sale of such REO Property. The Servicer shall take into account the
existence of any hazardous substances, hazardous wastes or solid wastes, as
such terms are defined in CERCLA, the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act
of 1976, or other federal, state or local environmental legislation, on a
Mortgaged Property in determining whether to foreclose upon or otherwise
comparably convert the ownership of such Mortgaged Property. The Servicer
shall determine, with respect to each defaulted Mortgage Loan, when it has
recovered, whether through trustee's sale, foreclosure sale or otherwise, all
amounts it expects to recover from or on account of such defaulted Mortgage
Loan, whereupon such Mortgage Loan shall become a Liquidated Mortgage Loan.
If a defaulted Mortgage Loan or REO Property is not so removed from the
Trust Estate, then, upon the final liquidation thereof, if a loss is realized
that is not covered by any applicable form of credit enhancement or other
insurance, the Securityholders will bear such loss. However, if a gain
results from the final liquidation of an REO Property that is not required by
law to be remitted to the related Mortgagor, the Servicer will be entitled to
retain such gain as additional servicing compensation if the related
Prospectus Supplement provides. For a description of the Servicer's
obligations to maintain and make claims under applicable forms of credit
enhancement and insurance relating to the Mortgage Loans, see "Description of
Credit Enhancement" and "Hazard Insurance; Claims Thereunder - Hazard
Insurance Policies" herein.
SUBORDINATION
A Senior/Subordinate series of Securities will consist of one or more
classes of Senior Securities and one or more classes of Subordinate
Securities, as specified in the related Prospectus Supplement. Only the
Senior Securities (and, if specified in the related Prospectus Supplement,
certain Subordinate Securities) will be offered hereby. Subordination of the
Subordinate Securities of any Senior/Subordinate series of Securities will be
effected by the following method, unless an alternative method is specified
in the related Prospectus Supplement. In addition, certain classes of Senior
(or Subordinate) Securities may be senior to other classes of Senior (or
Subordinate) Securities, as specified in the related Prospectus Supplement.
The following discussion (together with the summaries under "Description of
Credit Enhancement" below) describes all material terms and provisions
related to a Senior/Subordinate series of Securities. The following
discussion is subject to, and is qualified in its entirety by reference to,
the related Prospectus Supplement with respect to the particular priorities
and other rights as among the various classes of Senior Securities or
Subordinate Securities, as the case may be.
With respect to any Senior/Subordinate series of Securities, the total
amount available for distribution on each Payment Date, as well as the method
for allocating such amount among the various classes of Securities included
in
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such series, will be as set forth in the related Prospectus Supplement.
Generally, the amount available for distribution will be allocated first to
interest on the Senior Securities of such series, and then to principal of
the Senior Securities up to the amounts determined as specified in the
related Prospectus Supplement, prior to allocation to the Subordinate
Securities of such series.
In the event of any Realized Losses on Mortgage Loans not in excess of
the limitations described below, other than Extraordinary Losses, the rights
of the Subordinate Securityholders to receive distributions with respect to
the Mortgage Loans will be subordinate to the rights of the Senior
Securityholders. With respect to any defaulted Mortgage Loan that becomes a
Liquidated Mortgage Loan, the amount of loss realized, if any (as more fully
described in the related Pooling and Servicing Agreement, a "Realized Loss"),
will equal the portion of the stated principal balance remaining, after
application of all amounts recovered (net of amounts reimbursable to the
Servicer for related advances and expenses) towards interest and principal
owing on the Mortgage Loan. With respect to a Mortgage Loan the principal
balance of which has been reduced in connection with bankruptcy proceedings,
the amount of such reduction will be treated as a Realized Loss.
Except as noted below, all Realized Losses will be allocated to the
Subordinate Securities of the related series, until the Principal Balance (as
defined in the related Prospectus Supplement) of such Subordinate Securities
thereof has been reduced to zero. Any additional Realized Losses will be
allocated to the Senior Securities (or, if such series includes more than one
class of Senior Securities, either on a pro-rata basis among all of the
Senior Securities in proportion to their respective outstanding Principal
Balances or as otherwise provided in the related Prospectus Supplement).
With respect to certain Realized Losses resulting from physical damage to
Mortgaged Properties that are generally of the same type as are covered under
a special hazard insurance policy, the amount thereof that may be allocated
to the Subordinate Securities of the related series may be limited to an
amount (the "Special Hazard Amount") specified in the related Prospectus
Supplement. See "Description of Credit Enhancement - Special Hazard
Insurance Policies" herein. If so, any Special Hazard Losses in excess of
the Special Hazard Amount will be allocated among all outstanding classes of
Securities of the related series, either on a pro-rata basis in proportion to
their outstanding Security Principal Balances, regardless of whether any
Subordinate Securities remain outstanding, or as specified in the related
Prospectus Supplement. The respective amounts of other specified types of
losses (including Fraud Losses and Bankruptcy Losses) that may be borne
solely by the Subordinate Securities may be similarly limited to an amount
(with respect to Fraud Losses, the "Fraud Loss Amount" and with respect to
Bankruptcy Losses, the "Bankruptcy Loss Amount"), and the Subordinate
Securities may provide no coverage with respect to certain other specified
types of losses, as described in the related Prospectus Supplement, in which
case such losses would be allocated on a pro-rata basis among all outstanding
classes of Securities.
Any allocation of a Realized Loss (including a Special Hazard Loss) to a
Security in a Senior/Subordinate series will be made by reducing the
Principal Balance thereof as of the Payment Date following the calendar month
in which such Realized Loss was incurred.
In lieu of the foregoing provisions, subordination may be effected in the
following manner, or in any other manner described in the related Prospectus
Supplement. The rights of the holders of Subordinate Securities to receive
any or a specified portion of distributions with respect to the Mortgage
Loans may be subordinated to the extent of the amount set forth in the
related Prospectus Supplement (the "Subordinate Amount"). As specified in
the related Prospectus Supplement, the Subordinate Amount may be subject to
reduction based upon the amount of losses borne by the holders of the
Subordinate Securities as a result of such subordination, a specified
schedule or such other method of reduction as such Prospectus Supplement may
specify. If so specified in the related Prospectus Supplement, additional
credit support for this form of subordination may be provided by the
establishment of a reserve fund for the benefit of the holders of the Senior
Securities (which may, if such Prospectus Supplement so provides, initially
be funded by a cash deposit by the Sponsor or the related Originator) into
which certain distributions otherwise allocable to the holders of the
Subordinate Securities may be placed; such funds would thereafter be
available to cure shortfalls in distributions to holders of the Senior
Securities.
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DESCRIPTION OF CREDIT ENHANCEMENT
Each series of Securities shall have credit support comprised of one or
more of the following components. Each component will have a monetary limit
and will provide coverage with respect to Realized Losses that are (i)
attributable to the Mortgagor's failure to make any payment of principal or
interest as required under the Mortgage Note, but not including Special
Hazard Losses, Extraordinary Losses or other losses resulting from damage to
a Mortgaged Property, Bankruptcy Losses or Fraud Losses (any such loss, a
"Defaulted Mortgage Loss"); (ii) of a type generally covered by a special
hazard insurance policy (any such loss, a "Special Hazard Loss"); (iii)
attributable to certain actions that may be taken by a bankruptcy court in
connection with a Mortgage Loan, including a reduction by a bankruptcy court
of the principal balance of or the Mortgage Rate on a Mortgage Loan or an
extension of its maturity (any such loss, a "Bankruptcy Loss"); and (iv)
incurred on defaulted Mortgage Loans as to which there was fraud in the
origination of such Mortgage Loans (any such loss, a "Fraud Loss"). Losses
occasioned by war, civil insurrection, certain governmental actions, nuclear
reaction and certain other risks ("Extraordinary Losses") will not be covered
unless specified herein. To the extent that the credit enhancement for any
series of Securities is exhausted, the Securityholders will bear all further
risks of loss not otherwise insured against.
As set forth below and in the applicable Prospectus Supplement, credit
enhancement may be provided with respect to one or more classes of a series
of Securities or with respect to the Mortgage Assets in the related Trust.
Credit enhancement may be in the form of (i) the subordination of one or more
classes of Subordinate Securities to provide credit support to one or more
classes of Senior Securities as described herein under "Subordination," (ii)
the use of a mortgage pool insurance policy, special hazard insurance policy,
bankruptcy bond, reserve fund, letter of credit, financial guaranty insurance
policy, other third party guarantees, another method of credit enhancement
described in the related Prospectus Supplement, or the use of a cross-support
feature or overcollateralization, or (iii) any combination of the foregoing.
Any credit enhancement will not provide protection against all risks of loss
and will not guarantee repayment of the entire principal balance of the
Securities and interest thereon. If losses occur that exceed the amount
covered by credit enhancement or are not covered by the credit enhancement,
holders of one or more classes of Securities will bear their allocable share
of deficiencies. If a form of credit enhancement applies to several classes
of Securities, and if principal payments equal to the aggregate principal
balances of certain classes will be distributed prior to such distributions
to other classes, the classes that receive such distributions at a later time
are more likely to bear any losses that exceed the amount covered by credit
enhancement.
The amounts and type of credit enhancement arrangement as well as the
provider thereof, if applicable, with respect to each series of Securities
will be set forth in the related Prospectus Supplement. To the extent
provided in the applicable Prospectus Supplement and the Pooling and
Servicing Agreement, the credit enhancement arrangements may be periodically
modified, reduced and substituted for based on the aggregate outstanding
principal balance of the Mortgage Loans covered thereby. See "- Reduction or
Substitution of Credit Enhancement" herein. If specified in the applicable
Prospectus Supplement, credit enhancement for a series of Securities may
cover one or more other series of Securities.
The descriptions of any insurance policies or bonds described in this
Prospectus describe all material terms and provisions relating to such
insurance policies or bonds. The related Prospectus Supplement will set
forth the particular terms and provisions of any such insurance policies or
bonds by reference to the actual forms of such policies or bonds, copies of
which are available upon request from the source designated in the related
Prospectus Supplement.
Letter of Credit
If any component of credit enhancement as to any series of Securities is
to be provided by a letter of credit (the "Letter of Credit"), a bank (the
"Letter of Credit Bank") will deliver to the Trustee an irrevocable Letter of
Credit. The Letter of Credit may provide direct coverage with respect to the
related Securities or, if specified in the related Prospectus Supplement,
support the Sponsor's or any other person's obligation pursuant to a Purchase
Obligation to make certain payments to the Trustee with respect to one or
more components of credit enhancement. The Letter of Credit Bank, as well as
the amount available under the Letter of Credit with respect to each
component of credit enhancement, will be specified in the applicable
Prospectus Supplement and in the related Form 8-K. The Letter of Credit will
expire on the expiration date set forth in the related Prospectus Supplement,
unless earlier terminated or extended in accordance with its terms. On or
before each Payment Date, either the Letter of Credit Bank or the Sponsor
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(or other obligor under a Purchase Obligation) will be required to make the
payments specified in the related Prospectus Supplement after notification
from the Trustee, to be deposited in the related Distribution Account, if and
to the extent covered, under the applicable Letter of Credit.
Mortgage Pool Insurance Policies
Any mortgage pool insurance policy ("Mortgage Pool Insurance Policy")
obtained by the Sponsor for each related Trust Estate will be issued by the
Pool Insurer named in the related Prospectus Supplement. Each Mortgage Pool
Insurance Policy will, subject to limitations specified in the related
Prospectus Supplement described below, cover Defaulted Mortgage Losses in an
amount equal to a percentage specified in the related Prospectus Supplement
(or in a Current Report on Form 8-K) of the aggregate principal balance of
the Mortgage Loans on the Cut-Off Date. As set forth herein under
"Maintenance of Credit Enhancement," the Servicer will use reasonable efforts
to maintain the Mortgage Pool Insurance Policy and to present claims
thereunder to the Pool Insurer on behalf of itself, the Trustee and the
Securityholders. The Mortgage Pool Insurance Policies, however, are not
blanket policies against loss (typically, such policies do not cover Special
Hazard Losses, Fraud Losses and Bankruptcy Losses), because claims thereunder
may only be made respecting particular defaulted Mortgage Loans and only upon
satisfaction of certain conditions precedent described below due to a failure
to pay irrespective of the reason therefor.
Special Hazard Insurance Policies
Any insurance policy covering Special Hazard Losses (a "Special Hazard
Insurance Policy") obtained by the Sponsor for a Trust will be issued by the
insurer named in the related Prospectus Supplement. Each Special Hazard
Insurance Policy will, subject to limitations described in the related
Prospectus Supplement, protect holders of the related series of Securities
from (i) losses due to direct physical damage to a Mortgaged Property other
than any loss of a type covered by a hazard insurance policy or a flood
insurance policy, if applicable, and (ii) losses from partial damage caused
by reason of the application of the co-insurance clauses contained in hazard
insurance policies. See "Hazard Insurance; Claims Thereunder" herein. A
Special Hazard Insurance Policy will not cover Extraordinary Losses.
Aggregate claims under a Special Hazard Insurance Policy will be limited to a
maximum amount of coverage, as set forth in the related Prospectus Supplement
or in a Current Report on Form 8-K. A Special Hazard Insurance Policy will
provide that no claim may be paid unless hazard and, if applicable, flood
insurance on the Mortgaged Property securing the Mortgage Loan has been kept
in force and other protection and preservation expenses have been paid by the
Servicer.
Subject to the foregoing limitations, in general a Special Hazard
Insurance Policy will provide that, where there has been damage to property
securing a foreclosed Mortgage Loan (title to which has been acquired by the
insured) and to the extent such damage is not covered by the hazard insurance
policy or flood insurance policy, if any, maintained by the Mortgagor or the
Servicer or the Sub-Servicer, the insurer will pay the lesser of (i) the cost
of repair or replacement of such property or (ii) upon transfer of the
property to the insurer, the unpaid principal balance of such Mortgage Loan
at the time of acquisition of such property by foreclosure or deed in lieu of
foreclosure, plus accrued interest at the Mortgage Rate to the date of claim
settlement and certain expenses incurred by the Servicer or the Sub-Servicer
with respect to such property. If the property is transferred to a third
party in a sale approved by the issuer of the Special Hazard Insurance Policy
(the "Special Hazard Insurer"), the amount that the Special Hazard Insurer
will pay will be the amount under (ii) above reduced by the net proceeds of
the sale of the property.
Bankruptcy Bonds
In the event of a personal bankruptcy of a Mortgagor, it is possible that
the bankruptcy court may establish the value of the Mortgaged Property of
such Mortgagor at an amount less than the then outstanding, principal balance
of the Mortgage Loan secured by such Mortgaged Property (a "Deficient
Valuation"). The amount of the secured debt then could be reduced to such
value, and, thus, the holder of such Mortgage Loan would become an unsecured
creditor to the extent the outstanding principal balance of such Mortgage
Loan exceeds the value assigned to the Mortgaged Property by the bankruptcy
court. In addition, certain other modifications of the terms of a Mortgage
Loan can result from a bankruptcy proceeding, including a reduction in the
amount of the monthly payment on the related Mortgage Loan or a reduction in
the mortgage interest rate. See "Certain Legal Aspects of Mortgage Loans and
Related Matters - Anti-Deficiency Legislation and Other Limitations on
Lenders" herein. Any bankruptcy bond ("Bankruptcy Bond") to
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provide coverage for Bankruptcy Losses for proceedings under the federal
Bankruptcy Code obtained by the Sponsor for a Trust Estate will be issued by
an insurer named in the related Prospectus Supplement. The level of coverage
under each Bankruptcy Bond will be set forth in the applicable Prospectus
Supplement or in a Current Report on Form 8-K.
Reserve Funds
If so provided in the related Prospectus Supplement, the Sponsor will
deposit or cause to be deposited in an account (a "Reserve Fund") any
combination of cash, one or more irrevocable letters of credit or one or more
Permitted Investments in specified amounts, amounts otherwise distributable
to Subordinate Securityholders or the owners of any Originator's Retained
Yield, or any other instrument satisfactory to the Rating Agency or Agencies,
which will be applied and maintained in the manner and under the conditions
specified in such Prospectus Supplement. In the alternate or in addition to
such deposit to the extent described in the related Prospectus Supplement, a
Reserve Fund may be funded through application of all or a portion of amounts
otherwise payable on any related Subordinate Securities from the Originator's
Retained Yield or otherwise. In addition, with respect to any series of
Securities as to which credit enhancement includes a Letter of Credit, if so
specified in the related Prospectus Supplement, under certain circumstances
the remaining amount of the Letter of Credit may be drawn by the Trustee and
deposited in a Reserve Fund. Amounts in a Reserve Fund may be distributed to
Securityholders, or applied to reimburse the Servicer for outstanding
advances or may be used for other purposes, in the manner and to the extent
specified in the related Prospectus Supplement.
Financial Guaranty Insurance Policies
If so specified in the related Prospectus Supplement, a financial
guaranty insurance policy or surety bond ("Financial Guaranty Insurance
Policy") may be obtained and maintained for each class or series of
Securities. The issuer of any Financial Guaranty Insurance Policy (a
"Financial Guaranty Insurer") will be described in the related Prospectus
Supplement.
As further described or qualified in the related Prospectus Supplement, a
Financial Guaranty Insurance Policy will unconditionally and irrevocably
guarantee to Securityholders that an amount equal to each full and complete
insured payment will be received by an agent of the Trustee (an "Insurance
Paying Agent") on behalf of Securityholders, for distribution by the Trustee
to each Securityholder. The "Insured Payment" will be defined in the related
Prospectus Supplement, and will generally equal the full amount of the
distributions of principal and interest to which Securityholders of one or
more classes are entitled under the related Pooling and Servicing Agreement
plus any other amounts specified therein or in the related Prospectus
Supplement (the "Insured Payment").
The specific terms of any Financial Guaranty Insurance Policy will be as
set forth in the related Prospectus Supplement. Financial Guaranty Insurance
Policies may have limitations including (but not limited to) limitations on
the insurer's obligation to guarantee the obligations of the Originators to
repurchase or substitute for any Mortgage Loans. Financial Guaranty
Insurance Policies generally will not guarantee any specified rate of
prepayments or provide funds to redeem Securities on any specified date.
Subject to the terms of the related Pooling and Servicing Agreement, the
Financial Guaranty Insurer may be subrogated to the rights of each
Securityholder to receive payments under the Securities to the extent of any
payment by such Financial Guaranty Insurer under the related Financial
Guaranty Insurance Policy.
Other Insurance, Guarantees and Similar Instruments or Agreements
If specified in the related Prospectus Supplement, a Trust may include in
lieu of some or all of the foregoing or in addition thereto third party
guarantees, and other arrangements for maintaining timely payments or
providing additional protection against losses on the assets included in such
Trust, paying administrative expenses, or accomplishing such other purpose as
may be described in the Prospectus Supplement. The Trust may include a
guaranteed investment contract or reinvestment agreement pursuant to which
funds held in one or more accounts will be invested at a specified rate. If
any class of Securities has a floating interest rate, or if any of the
Mortgage Assets has a floating interest rate, the Trust may include an
interest rate swap contract, an interest rate cap agreement or similar
contract providing limited protection against interest rate risks.
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Cross-Collateralization
If specified in the Prospectus Supplement, the beneficial ownership of
separate groups of assets included in a Trust may be evidenced by separate
classes of the related series of Securities. In such case, credit support
may be provided by a cross-support feature that requires that distributions
with respect to one class of security be made with excess amounts available
from asset groups within the same Trust that support other classes of
Securities. The Prospectus Supplement for a series that includes a
cross-support feature will describe the manner and conditions for applying
such cross-support feature.
In addition, as may be described in the related Prospectus Supplement, a
Trust Estate may include the right to receive moneys from a common pool of
credit enhancement that may be available for more than one series of
Securities, such as a master reserve account or a master insurance policy.
Notwithstanding the foregoing, no collections on any Mortgage Loans held by
any Trust may be applied to the payment of Securities issued by any other
Trust (except to the limited extent that certain collections in excess of
amounts needed to pay the related Securities may be deposited in a common,
master reserve account that provides credit enhancement for more than one
series of Securities).
Overcollateralization
If specified in the Prospectus Supplement, subordination provisions of a
Trust may be used to accelerate to a limited extent the amortization of one
or more classes of Securities relative to the amortization of the related
Mortgage Loans. The accelerated amortization is achieved by the application
of certain excess interest to the payment of principal of one or more classes
of Securities. This acceleration feature creates, with respect to the
Mortgage Loans or groups thereof, overcollateralization that results from the
excess of the aggregate principal balance of the related Mortgage Loans, or a
group thereof, over the principal balance of the related class of Securities.
Such acceleration may continue for the life of the related security or may
be limited. In the case of limited acceleration, once the required level of
overcollateralization is reached, and subject to certain provisions specified
in the related Prospectus Supplement, such limited acceleration feature may
cease, unless necessary to maintain the required level of
overcollateralization.
Maintenance of Credit Enhancement
To the extent that the applicable Prospectus Supplement does not
expressly provide for credit enhancement arrangements in lieu of some or all
of the arrangements mentioned below, the following paragraphs shall apply.
If a form of credit enhancement has been obtained for a series of
Securities, the Sponsor or the Servicer will be obligated to exercise its
best reasonable efforts to keep or cause to be kept such form of credit
support in full force and effect throughout the term of the applicable
Pooling and Servicing Agreement, unless coverage thereunder has been
exhausted through payment of claims or otherwise, or substitution therefor is
made as described below under "Reduction or Substitution of Credit
Enhancement."
In lieu of the Sponsor's or the Servicer's obligation to maintain a
particular form of credit enhancement, the Sponsor or the Servicer may obtain
a substitute or alternate form of credit enhancement. If the Servicer
obtains such a substitute form of credit enhancement, it will maintain and
keep such form of credit enhancement in full force and effect as provided
herein. Prior to its obtaining any substitute or alternate form of credit
enhancement, the Sponsor or the Servicer, as the case may be, will obtain
written confirmation from the Rating Agency or Agencies that rated the
related series of Securities that the substitution or alternate form of
credit enhancement for the existing credit enhancement will not adversely
affect the then current ratings assigned to such Securities by such Rating
Agency or Agencies.
The Servicer, on behalf of itself, the Trustee and Securityholders, will
provide the Trustee information required for the Trustee to draw under a
Letter of Credit or Financial Guaranty Insurance Policy, will present claims
to each Pool Insurer, to the issuer of each Special Hazard Insurance Policy
or other special hazard instrument, to the issuer of each Bankruptcy Bond and
will take such reasonable steps as are necessary to permit recovery under
such Letter of Credit, Financial Guaranty Insurance Policy, Purchase
Obligation, insurance policies or comparable coverage respecting defaulted
Mortgage Loans or Mortgage Loans that are the subject of a bankruptcy
proceeding. Additionally,
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the Servicer will present such claims and take such steps as are reasonably
necessary to provide for the performance by another party of its Purchase
Obligation. As set forth above, all collections by the Servicer under any
Purchase Obligation, any Mortgage Pool Insurance Policy, or any Bankruptcy
Bond and, where the related property has not been restored, any Special
Hazard Insurance Policy, are to be deposited initially in the Principal and
Interest Account and ultimately in the Distribution Account, subject to
withdrawal as described above. All draws under any Letter of Credit or
Financial Guaranty Insurance Policy will be deposited directly in the
Distribution Account.
If any property securing a defaulted Mortgage Loan is damaged and
proceeds, if any, from the related hazard insurance policy or any applicable
Special Hazard Instrument are insufficient to restore the damaged property to
a condition sufficient to permit recovery under any applicable form of Credit
Enhancement, the 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 one or more classes of Securityholders on
liquidation of the Mortgage Loan after reimbursement of the Servicer for its
expenses and (ii) that such expenses will be recoverable by it through
Liquidation Proceeds or Insurance Proceeds. If recovery under any applicable
form of credit enhancement is not available because the Servicer has been
unable to make the above determinations, has made such determinations
incorrectly or recovery is not available for any other reason, the Servicer
is nevertheless obligated to follow such normal practices and procedures
(subject to the preceding sentence) as it deems necessary or advisable to
realize upon the defaulted Mortgage Loan and in the event such determination
has been incorrectly made, is entitled to reimbursement of its expenses in
connection with such restoration.
Reduction or Substitution of Credit Enhancement
Unless otherwise specified in the related Prospectus Supplement, the
amount of credit support provided pursuant to any of the credit enhancements
(including, without limitation, a Mortgage Pool Insurance Policy, Financial
Guaranty Insurance Policy, Special Hazard Insurance Policy, Bankruptcy Bond,
Letter of Credit or any alterative form of credit enhancement) may be reduced
under certain specified circumstances. In addition, if provided in the
related Prospectus Supplement, any formula used in calculating the amount or
degree of credit enhancement may be changed without the consent of the
Securityholders upon written confirmation from each Rating Agency then rating
the Securities that such change will not adversely affect the then-current
rating or ratings assigned to the Securities. In most cases, the amount
available pursuant to any credit enhancement will be subject to periodic
reduction in accordance with a schedule or formula on a nondiscretionary
basis pursuant to the terms of the related Pooling and Servicing Agreement as
the aggregate outstanding principal balance of the Mortgage Loans declines.
Additionally, in certain cases, such credit support (and any replacements
therefor) may be replaced, reduced or terminated upon the written assurance
from each applicable Rating Agency that the then current rating of the
related series of Securities will not be adversely affected. Furthermore, in
the event that the credit rating of any obligor under any applicable credit
enhancement is downgraded, the credit rating of the related Securities may be
downgraded to a corresponding level, and, unless otherwise specified in the
related Prospectus Supplement, neither the Sponsor nor the Servicer
thereafter will be obligated to obtain replacement credit support in order to
restore the rating of the Securities, and also will be permitted to replace
such credit support with other credit enhancement instruments issued by
obligors whose credit ratings are equivalent to such downgraded level and in
lower amounts that would satisfy such downgraded level, provided that the
then-current rating of the related series of Securities is maintained. Where
the credit support is in the form of a Reserve Fund, a permitted reduction in
the amount of credit enhancement will result in a release of all or a portion
of the assets in the Reserve Fund to the Sponsor, one or more Originators,
the Servicer or such other person that is entitled thereto. Any assets so
released will not be available to fund distribution obligations in future
periods.
HAZARD INSURANCE; CLAIMS THEREUNDER
Each Mortgage Loan will be required to be covered by a hazard insurance
policy (as described below). The following summary describes all material
terms of certain insurance policies, and does not purport to summarize or
describe all of the provisions of these policies. Such insurance is subject
to underwriting and approval of individual Mortgage Loans by the respective
insurers. The descriptions of any insurance policies described in this
Prospectus or any Prospectus Supplement and the coverage thereunder do not
purport to be complete and are qualified in their entirety by reference to
such forms of policies, sample copies of which are available from the
Servicer upon request.
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Hazard Insurance Policies
The terms of the Mortgage Loans require each Mortgagor to maintain a
hazard insurance policy for the Mortgage Loan. Additionally, the Pooling and
Servicing Agreement will require the Servicer to cause to be maintained with
respect to each Mortgage Loan a hazard insurance policy with a generally
acceptable carrier that provides for fire and extended coverage relating to
such Mortgage Loan in an amount not less than the least of (i) the
outstanding principal balance of the Mortgage Loan, (ii) the minimum amount
required to compensate for damage or loss to the improvements on a
replacement cost basis or (iii) the full insurable value of the premises.
If a Mortgage Loan at the time of origination relates to a Mortgaged
Property with improvements in an area identified in the Federal Register by
the Federal Emergency Management Agency as having special flood hazards, the
Servicer will be required to maintain with respect thereto a flood insurance
policy in a form meeting the requirements of the then-current guidelines of
the Federal Insurance Administration with a generally acceptable carrier in
an amount representing coverage, and that provides for recovery by the
Servicer on behalf of the Trust of insurance proceeds relating to such
Mortgage Loan of not less than the least of (i) the outstanding principal
balance of the Mortgage Loan, (ii) the minimum amount required to compensate
for damage to or loss of the improvements on a replacement cost basis, (iii)
the maximum amount of insurance that is available under the Flood Disaster
Protection Act of 1973. Pursuant to the related Pooling and Servicing
Agreement, the Servicer will be required to indemnify the Trust out of the
Servicer's own funds for any loss to the Trust resulting from the Servicer's
failure to maintain such flood insurance.
In the event that the Servicer obtains and maintains a blanket policy
insuring against fire with extended coverage and against flood hazards on all
of the Mortgage Loans, then, to the extent such policy names the Servicer as
loss payee and provides coverage in an amount equal to the aggregate unpaid
principal balance on the Mortgage Loans without co-insurance, and otherwise
complies with the requirements of the Pooling and Servicing Agreement, the
Servicer shall be deemed conclusively to have satisfied its obligations with
respect to fire and hazard insurance coverage under the Pooling and Servicing
Agreement. Such blanket policy may contain a deductible clause, in which
case the Servicer will be required, in the event that there shall not have
been maintained on the related Mortgaged Property a policy complying with the
Pooling and Servicing Agreement, and there shall have been a loss that would
have been covered by such policy, to deposit in the Principal and Interest
Account from the Servicer's own funds the difference, if any, between the
amount that would have been payable under a policy complying with the Pooling
and Servicing Agreement and the amount paid under such blanket policy.
While the Servicer does not actively monitor the maintenance of hazard or
flood insurance by borrowers, it responds to the notices of cancellation or
expiration as joint-loss payee by requiring verification of replacement
coverage.
THE SPONSOR
The Sponsor, EquiVantage Acceptance Corp., was incorporated in the State
of Delaware on June 6, 1990. It is a wholly owned subsidiary of EquiVantage
Inc. The Sponsor was organized for the purpose of the purchase and
securitization of first and junior lien mortgage loans.
The Sponsor maintains its principal office at 13111 Northwest Freeway,
Suite 301, Houston, Texas 77040. Its telephone number is (713) 895-1957.
THE SERVICER
EquiVantage Inc. will act as the Servicer of the Mortgage Loans for each
series of Securities. EquiVantage Inc. was incorporated in the State of
Delaware on September 14, 1995 and is primarily engaged in acquiring, owning,
transferring and servicing Mortgage Loans. EquiVantage Inc. maintains its
principal office at 13111 Northwest Freeway, Suite 600, Houston, Texas 77040.
Its telephone number is (713) 895-6700.
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THE POOLING AND SERVICING AGREEMENT
As described above under "Description of the Securities -General," each
series of Securities will be issued pursuant to a Pooling and Servicing
Agreement as described in that section. The following summaries describe
certain additional provisions common to each Pooling and Servicing Agreement.
Servicing and Other Compensation and Payment of Expenses; Originator's
Retained Yield
The principal servicing compensation to be paid to the Servicer in
respect of its servicing activities for each series of Securities will be
equal to the percentage per annum specified in the related Prospectus
Supplement or Current Report on Form 8-K of the outstanding principal balance
of the Mortgage Loans, and such compensation will be retained by it from
collections of interest on the Mortgage Loans in the related Trust Estate
(after provision has been made for the payment of interest at the applicable
Pass-Through Rate or Net Mortgage Rate, as the case may be, to
Securityholders and for the payment of any Originator's Retained Yield) at
the time such collections are deposited into the applicable Principal and
Interest Account. As compensation for its servicing duties, the Servicer
and/or a Sub-Servicer will be entitled to a monthly servicing fee as set
forth in the related Prospectus Supplement. Certain Sub-Servicers may also
receive additional compensation in the amount of all or a portion of the
interest due and payable on the applicable Mortgage Loan that is over and
above the interest rate specified at the time the Sponsor committed to
purchase the Mortgage Loan. See "Mortgage Loan Program - Sub-Servicing"
herein. In addition, the Servicer or a Sub-Servicer may retain assumption
fees, modification fees and late payment charges, to the extent collected
from Mortgagors, and any benefit that may accrue as a result of the
investment of funds in the Principal and Interest Account or the applicable
Distribution Account (if so specified in the related Prospectus Supplement)
or in a Sub-Servicing Account, as the case may be. To the extent specified
in the related Prospectus Supplement, the Servicer will pay or cause to be
paid certain ongoing expenses associated with each Trust Estate and incurred
by it in connection with its responsibilities under the Pooling and Servicing
Agreement, including, without limitation, payment of any fee or other amount
payable in respect of any alternative credit enhancement arrangements,
payment of the fees and disbursements of the Trustee, any custodian appointed
by the Trustee, the Security Registrar and any Paying Agent, and payment of
expenses incurred in enforcing the obligations of Sub-Servicers and
Originators. The Servicer may be entitled to reimbursement of expenses
incurred in enforcing the obligations of Sub-Servicers and Originators under
certain limited circumstances. In addition, as indicated in the preceding
section, the Servicer will be entitled to reimbursements for certain expenses
incurred by it in connection with Liquidated Mortgage Loans and in connection
with the restoration of Mortgaged Properties, such right of reimbursement
being prior to the rights of Securityholders to receive any related
Liquidation Proceeds (including Insurance Proceeds).
The Prospectus Supplement for a series of Securities will specify if
there will be any Originator's Retained Yield retained. Any such
Originator's Retained Yield will be a specified portion of the interest
payable on each Mortgage Loan in a Mortgage Pool. Any such Originator's
Retained Yield will be established on a loan-by-loan basis and the amount
thereof with respect to each Mortgage Loan in a Mortgage Pool will be
specified on an exhibit to the related Pooling and Servicing Agreement. Any
Originator's Retained Yield in respect of a Mortgage Loan will represent a
specified portion of the interest payable thereon and will not be part of the
related Trust Estate. Any partial recovery of interest in respect of a
Mortgage Loan will be allocated between the owners of any Originator's
Retained Yield and the holders of classes of Securities entitled to payments
of interest as provided in the Prospectus Supplement and the applicable
Pooling and Servicing Agreement.
Evidence as to Compliance
The Servicer will be required to deliver to the Trustee, the Rating
Agencies and any Credit Enhancer on or before a specified date of each year,
beginning the first such date that is at least a specified number of months
after the Cut-Off Date, an officers' certificate stating, as to each signer
thereof, that (i) a review of the activities of the Servicer during such
preceding calendar year and of performance under the related Pooling and
Servicing Agreement has been made under such officers' supervision, and (ii)
to the best of such officers' knowledge, based on such review, the Servicer
has fulfilled all its obligations under the related Pooling and Servicing
Agreement for such year, or, if there has been a default in the fulfillment
of any such obligations, specifying each such default known to such officers
and the nature and status thereof including the steps being taken by the
Servicer to remedy such defaults.
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On or before the last day of a specified month of each year, beginning
the first such date that is at least a specified number of months after the
Cut-Off Date, the Servicer will be required to cause to be delivered to the
Trustee, the Rating Agencies and any Credit Enhancer, if applicable, a letter
or letters of a firm of independent, nationally recognized certified public
accountants reasonably acceptable to the Credit Enhancer, if applicable,
stating that such firm has, with respect to the Servicer's overall servicing
operations (i) performed applicable tests in accordance with the compliance
testing procedures as set forth in Appendix 3 of the Audit Guide for Audits
of HUD Approved Nonsupervised Mortgagees or (ii) examined such operations in
accordance with the requirements of the Uniform Single Audit Program for
Mortgage Bankers, and in either case stating such firm's conclusions relating
thereto.
Removal and Resignation of the Servicer
The related Prospectus Supplement may indicate that the Servicer will not
be permitted to resign from its obligations and duties pursuant to the
related Pooling and Servicing Agreement, except in connection with a
permitted transfer of servicing, unless such duties and obligations are no
longer permissible under applicable law or are in material conflict by reason
of applicable law with any other activities of a type and nature presently
carried on by it or subject to the consent of the Financial Guaranty Insurer
and the Trustee. No such resignation will become effective until the Trustee
or a successor Servicer has assumed the Servicer's obligations and duties
under the Pooling and Servicing Agreement. The Trustee, the Financial
Guaranty Insurer or the Securityholders will have the right subject to
certain rights to cure by the Servicer, pursuant to the related Pooling and
Servicing Agreement, to remove the Servicer upon the occurrence of any of (a)
certain events of insolvency, readjustment of debt, marshaling of assets and
liabilities or similar proceedings regarding the Servicer and certain actions
by the Servicer indicating its insolvency or inability to pay its
obligations; (b) the failure of the Servicer to perform any one or more of
its material obligations under the Pooling and Servicing Agreement as to
which the Servicer shall continue in default with respect thereto for a
period of time specified in the related Pooling and Servicing Agreement after
notice by the Trustee or any Financial Guaranty Insurer of said failure; (c)
the failure of the Servicer to cure any breach of any of its representations
and warranties set forth in the Pooling and Servicing Agreement that
materially and adversely affects the interests of the Securityholders or any
Financial Guaranty Insurer, if applicable, for a period of time specified in
the related Pooling and Servicing Agreement after the Servicer's discovery or
receipt of notice thereof; or (d) the failure to deliver to Trustee any
proceeds or required payments which failure shall continue for a period of
time specified in the related Pooling and Servicing Agreement after notice.
The Pooling and Servicing Agreement may also provide that a Financial
Guaranty Insurer may remove the Servicer pursuant to clause (iii) below, upon
the occurrence of any of certain events including:
(i) with respect to any Payment Date, if the total
available funds with respect to the Mortgage Loans
Group will be less than the related distribution amount
on the class of insured securities in respect of such
Payment Date; provided, however, that the Financial
Guaranty Insurer will have no right to remove the
Servicer pursuant to the provision described in this
clause (i) if the Servicer can demonstrate to the
reasonable satisfaction of the Financial Guaranty
Insurer that such event was due to circumstances beyond
the control of the Servicer;
(ii) the failure by the Servicer to make any required
Servicing Advance;
(iii) the failure of the Servicer to perform one or more
of its material obligations under the Pooling and
Servicing Agreement and such failure shall
continue for a period of time specified in the
related Pooling and Servicing Agreement; or
(iv) the failure by the Servicer to make any required
Delinquency Advance or to pay any Compensating
Interest.
Rights upon Event of Default
So long as an Event of Default remains unremedied, the Trustee or the
Financial Guaranty Insurer (as provided in the related Pooling and Servicing
Agreement) may, by written notification to the Servicer, terminate all of the
rights and obligations of the Servicer under the Pooling and Servicing
Agreement (other than any rights of the Servicer as
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Securityholder) covering such Trust Estate and in and to the Mortgage Loans
and the proceeds thereof, whereupon the Trustee or, with the Financial
Guaranty Insurer's consent, its designee will succeed to all
responsibilities, duties and liabilities of the Servicer under such Pooling
and Servicing Agreement (other than the obligation to purchase Mortgage Loans
under certain circumstances) and will be entitled to similar compensation
arrangements. In the event that the Trustee would be obligated to succeed
the Servicer but is unwilling or unable so to act, it may appoint, or
petition a court of competent jurisdiction for the appointment of, another
qualifying mortgage servicing institution to act as successor to the Servicer
under the Pooling and Servicing Agreement (unless otherwise set forth in the
Pooling and Servicing Agreement). Pending appointment of a successor
Servicer, unless the Trustee is prohibited by law from so acting, the Trustee
is obligated to act in such capacity.
Amendment
Each Pooling and Servicing Agreement may be amended by the Sponsor, the
Servicer and the Trustee, with the prior approval of a Financial Guaranty
Insurer, if required, but without giving notice or the consent of any of the
holders of Securities covered by such Pooling and Servicing Agreement, (i) to
cure an ambiguity, (ii) to correct or supplement any provision therein which
may be inconsistent with any other provision therein, (iii) upon receipt of
the opinion of counsel experienced in federal income tax matters to the
effect that no entity-level tax will be imposed on the Trust; provided that
such change would not adversely affect in any material respect the interests
of any Securityholder, as evidenced by an opinion of counsel.
The Pooling and Servicing Agreement may also be amended by the Sponsor,
the Servicer and the Trustee with the prior consent of the Financial Guaranty
Insurer and with the consent of the holders of Securities of each class
affected thereby evidencing, in each case, not less than a majority of the
aggregate Percentage Interests constituting such class for the purpose of
adding any provisions to or changing in any manner or eliminating any of the
provisions of such Pooling and Servicing Agreement or of modifying in any
manner the rights of the holders of Securities covered by such Pooling and
Servicing Agreement, except that no such amendment may (i) change in any
manner the amount of, or change the timing of, payments that are required to
be distributed to any Securityholder without the consent of such
Securityholder or (ii) reduce the aforesaid percentages of Percentage
Interests that are required to consent to any such amendment, without the
consent of all of the Securityholders covered by such Pooling and Servicing
Agreement then outstanding.
Notwithstanding the foregoing, if a REMIC election has been made with
respect to the related Trust Estate, the Trustee will not be entitled to
consent to and the Financial Guaranty Insurer will not be entitled to approve
any amendment to a Pooling and Servicing Agreement without having first
received an opinion from counsel nationally recognized in federal tax matters
to the effect that such amendment or the exercise of any power granted to the
Servicer, the Sponsor or the Trustee in accordance with such amendment will
not result in the imposition of a tax on the related Trust Estate or cause
such Trust Estate to fail to qualify as a REMIC.
Termination; Retirement of Securities
As more specifically described in the related Prospectus Supplement, each
Pooling and Servicing Agreement will provide that a Trust will terminate upon
the earlier of (i) the payment to the Securityholders of all Securities
issued by the Trust from amounts other than those available under, if
applicable, a Financial Guaranty Insurance Policy of all amounts required to
be paid to such Securityholders upon the later to occur of (a) the final
payment or other liquidation (or any advance made with respect thereto) of
the last Mortgage Loan in the Trust Estate and (b) the disposition of all
property acquired in respect of any Mortgage Loan remaining in the Trust
Estate, (ii) if a REMIC election has been made with respect to the related
Trust Estate, any time when a Qualified Liquidation (as defined in the Code)
of the Trust Estate is effected, (iii) termination of the Trust upon the
option of the Sponsor, the Servicer or, if specified in the related
Prospectus Supplement, the holders of the related class of Equity Securities
or the credit enhancer after the outstanding aggregate loan balances of the
Mortgage Loans in the Trust Estate is less than or equal to the percentage
specified in the related Prospectus Supplement (which in no event will be
greater than 25%) of the sum of the aggregate loan balances of all Mortgage
Loans in the Trust Estate as of the original creation date of the Mortgage
Pool and the original amount deposited in the Pre-Funding Account, (iv) if
applicable, termination of the Trust upon loss of REMIC status or (v) other
comparable events with respect to the related Trust. In no event, however,
will the trust created by the related Pooling and Servicing Agreement
continue beyond the expiration of 21 years from the death of the survivor
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of certain persons named in such Pooling and Servicing Agreement. Written
notice of termination of the Pooling and Servicing Agreement will be given to
each Securityholder, and the final distribution will be made only upon
surrender and cancellation of the Securities at an office or agency appointed
by the Trustee that will be specified in the notice of termination. If the
Trust Estate is liquidated under the applicable Pooling and Servicing
Agreement, a penalty may be imposed upon the Securityholders based upon the
fee that would be foregone by the Servicer because of such termination. If a
REMIC election has been made, the termination of the related Trust Estate
will be effected in a manner consistent with applicable federal income tax
regulations and its status as a REMIC.
The option described in clause (iii) above generally protects the
exercising party against incurring ongoing expenses related to the Trust
(such as servicing expenses and fees of credit enhancers) when the Mortgage
Loans have amortized to such an extent that payment of such expenses is no
longer cost-effective. No independent valuation of any assets of a Trust
will be performed in connection with any optional termination. The price
payable to a Trust upon termination will not be less than the greater of (i)
the outstanding principal balance of, plus accrued and unpaid interest on,
each Mortgage Loan owned by such Trust (including such unamortized amounts in
respect of defaulted Mortgage Loans for which the related Mortgaged
Properties have been acquired by the Trust through foreclosure or otherwise,
and which have not yet become Liquidated Mortgage Loans) and (ii) the fair
market value of such Mortgage Loans and Mortgaged Properties owned by the
Trust, plus in either case the fair market value of all other assets of the
Trust. Accordingly, the proceeds received by the Trust upon any such
termination would be sufficient to pay the outstanding principal balance and
accrued and unpaid interest on the Securities, except to the extent of
Realized Losses that exceed the amount of any applicable credit enhancement.
In the event that Realized Losses have exceeded such amounts, Securityholders
may experience a loss on their investment upon a termination.
The Trustee
The Trustee under each Pooling and Servicing Agreement will be named in
the related Prospectus Supplement. The commercial bank or trust company
serving as Trustee may have normal banking relationships with the Sponsor
and/or its affiliates.
The Trustee may resign at any time so long as the Trustee provides
written notice to the Sponsor, the Servicer, the Credit Enhancer and the
Securityholders, and complies with the other conditions specified in the
applicable Pooling and Servicing Agreement, in which event the Sponsor will
be obligated to appoint a successor Trustee. The Sponsor may also remove the
Trustee if the Trustee ceases to be eligible to continue as such under the
Pooling and Servicing Agreement or if the Trustee becomes insolvent. Upon
becoming aware of such circumstances, the Sponsor will be obligated to
appoint a successor Trustee. The Trustee may also be removed at any time by
the holders of Securities evidencing a majority of the aggregate undivided
interests (or, if so specified in the related Prospectus Supplement, voting
rights) in the related Trust Estate or if the related Pooling and Servicing
Agreement so provides by the related Financial Guaranty Insurer or Credit
Enhancer, if any. Any resignation or removal of the Trustee and appointment
of a successor Trustee will not become effective until acceptance of the
appointment by the successor Trustee and payment by the Trustee of all costs
associated with the assumption by the Successor Trustee of the Trustee's
obligations under the related Pooling and Servicing Agreement.
YIELD CONSIDERATIONS
The yield to maturity of a Security will depend on the price paid by the
holder for such Security, the Pass-Through Rate on any such Security entitled
to payments of interest (which Pass-Through Rate may vary if so specified in
the related Prospectus Supplement) and the rate of payment of principal on
such Security (or the rate at which the notional amount thereof is reduced if
such Security is not entitled to payments of principal).
Each month the interest payable on an actuarial type of Mortgage Loan
will be calculated as one-twelfth of the applicable Mortgage Rate multiplied
by the principal balance of such Mortgage Loan outstanding as of a specified
day, usually the first day of the month prior to the month in which the
Payment Date for the related series of Securities occurs, after giving effect
to the payment of principal due on such day, subject to any Deferred
Interest. With respect to date of payment Mortgage Loans, interest is
charged to the Mortgagor at the Mortgage Rate on the outstanding principal
balance of such Note and calculated based on the number of days elapsed
between receipt of the Mortgagor's last payment through receipt of the
Mortgagor's most current payments. The amount of such payments with respect
to
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each Mortgage Loan distributed (or accrued in the case of Deferred Interest
or Accrual Securities) either monthly, quarterly or semi-annually to holders
of a class of Securities entitled to payments of interest will be similarly
calculated on the basis of such class specified percentage of each such
payment of interest (or accrual in the case of Accrual Securities) and will
be expressed as a fixed, adjustable or variable Pass-Through Rate payable on
the outstanding principal balance or notional amount of such Security,
calculated as described herein and in the related Prospectus Supplement.
Holders of Strip Securities or a class of Securities having a fixed
Pass-Through Rate that varies based on the weighted average Mortgage Rate of
the underlying Mortgage Loans will be affected by disproportionate
prepayments and repurchases of Mortgage Loans having higher Net Mortgage
Rates or rates applicable to the Strip Securities, as applicable.
A class of Securities may be entitled to payments of interest at a fixed
Pass-Through Rate specified in the related Prospectus Supplement, a variable
Pass-Through Rate or adjustable Pass-Through Rate calculated based on the
weighted average of the Mortgage Rates (net of Servicing Fees and any
Originator's Retained Yield (each, a "Net Mortgage Rate")) of the related
Mortgage Loans for the designated periods preceding the Payment Date if so
specified in the related Prospectus Supplement, or at such other variable
rate as may be specified in the related Prospectus Supplement.
As described in the related Prospectus Supplement, the aggregate payments
of interest on a class of Securities, and the yield to maturity thereon, will
be effected by the rate of payment of principal on the Securities (or the
rate of reduction in the notional balance of Securities entitled only to
payments of interest) and, in the case of Securities evidencing interests in
ARM Loans, by changes in the Net Mortgage Rates on the ARM Loans. See
"Maturity and Prepayment Considerations" below. The yield on the Securities
also will be effected by liquidations of Mortgage Loans following Mortgagor
defaults and by purchases of Mortgage Loans required by the Pooling and
Servicing Agreement in the event of breaches of representations made in
respect of such Mortgage Loans by the Sponsor, the Originators, the Servicer
and others, purchases in connection with any optional termination of a Trust
or repurchases due to conversions of ARM Loans to a fixed interest rate. See
"Mortgage Loan Program - Representations by the Sponsor and Originators", "The
Pooling and Servicing Agreement - Termination; Retirement of Securities" and
"Descriptions of the Securities - Assignment of Mortgage Loans" above. In
general, if a class of Securities is purchased at initial issuance at a
premium and payments of principal on the related Mortgage Loans occur at a
rate faster than anticipated at the time of purchase, the purchaser's actual
yield to maturity will be lower than that assumed at the time of purchase.
In addition, if a class of Securities is purchased at initial issuance at a
discount and payments of principal on the related Mortgage Loans occur at a
rate slower than that assumed at the time of purchase, the purchaser's actual
yield to maturity will be lower than that originally anticipated. The effect
of principal prepayments, liquidations and purchases on yield will be
particularly significant in the case of a series of Securities having a class
entitled to payments of interest only or to payments of interest that are
disproportionately high relative to the principal payments to which such
class is entitled. Such a class will likely be sold at a substantial premium
to its principal balance, if any, and any faster than anticipated rate of
prepayments will adversely affect the yield to holders thereof. In certain
circumstances, rapid prepayments may result in the failure of such holders to
recoup their original investment. In addition, the yield to maturity on
certain other types of classes of Securities, including Accrual Securities or
certain other classes in a series including more than one class of
Securities, may be relatively more sensitive to the rate of prepayment on the
related Mortgage Loans than other classes of Securities. Any such principal
prepayment may adversely affect the yield to maturity of the related
Securities. Because prevailing interest rates are subject to fluctuation,
there can be no assurance that Securityholders will be able to reinvest such
a prepayment at yields equaling or exceeding the yields on the related
Securities. It is possible that the yield on any such reinvestment will be
lower, and may be significantly lower, than the yield on the related
Securities.
The timing of changes in the rate of principal payments on or repurchases
of the Mortgage Loans may significantly affect an investor's actual yield to
maturity, even if the average rate of principal payments experienced over
time is consistent with an investor's expectation. In general, the earlier a
prepayment of principal on the underlying Mortgage Loans or a repurchase
thereof, the greater will be the effect on an investor's yield to maturity.
As a result, the effect on an investor's yield of principal payments and
repurchases occurring at a rate higher (or lower) than the rate anticipated
by the investor during the period immediately following the issuance of a
series of Securities would not be fully offset by a subsequent like reduction
(or increase) in the rate of principal payments.
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When a full prepayment is made on a Mortgage Loan, the Mortgagor is
charged interest on the principal amount of the Mortgage Loan so prepaid for
the number of days in the month actually elapsed up to the date of the
prepayment, at a daily rate determined by dividing the Mortgage Rate by 365.
The effect of prepayments in full will be to reduce the amount of interest
paid in the next succeeding month to holders of Securities entitled to
payments of interest because interest on the principal amount of any Mortgage
Loan so prepaid will be paid only to the date of prepayment rather than for a
full month. A partial prepayment of principal is applied so as to reduce the
outstanding principal balance of the related Mortgage Loan as of the first
day of the month in which such partial prepayment is received. As a result,
the effect of a partial prepayment on a Mortgage Loan will be to reduce the
amount of interest passed through to holders of Securities on the Payment
Date following the receipt of such partial prepayment by an amount equal to
one month's interest at the applicable Pass-Through Rate or Net Mortgage
Rate, as the case may be, on the prepaid amount. With respect to amounts due
the Servicer from Sub-Servicers in respect of partial principal prepayments,
see "Description of the Securities - Payments on Mortgage Loans; Deposits to
Distribution Account" herein. Neither full nor partial principal prepayments
are passed through until the month following receipt. See "Maturity and
Prepayment Considerations" herein.
The Mortgage Rates on certain ARM Loans subject to negative amortization
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
indices applicable at origination and the related Note Margins) 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
become Deferred Interest that will 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 will lengthen the weighted
average life of the Securities evidencing interests in such Mortgage Loans
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 because
such excess will be applied to reduce such principal balance, 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.
For each Mortgage Pool, if all necessary advances are made, if there is
no unrecoverable loss on any Mortgage Loan and if the related Credit Enhancer
is not in default under its obligations or other credit enhancement has not
been exhausted, the net effect of each distribution respecting interest will
be to pass-through to each holder of a class of Securities entitled to
payments of interest an amount that is equal to one month's interest (or, in
the case of quarterly-pay Securities, three months' interest or, in the case
of semi-annually-pay Securities, six months' interest) at the applicable
Pass-Through Rate on such class' principal balance or notional balance, as
adjusted downward to reflect any decrease in interest caused by any principal
prepayments and the addition of any Deferred Interest to the principal
balance of any Mortgage Loan. See "Description of the Securities - Principal
and Interest on the Securities" herein.
With respect to certain of the 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. Under the Sponsor's
underwriting standards, the Mortgagor under each Mortgage Loan will be
qualified on the basis of the Mortgage Rate in effect at origination. The
repayment of any such Mortgage Loan may thus be dependent on the ability of
the Mortgagor to make larger level monthly payments following the adjustment
of the Mortgage Rate.
MATURITY AND PREPAYMENT CONSIDERATIONS
As indicated above under "The Mortgage Pools," the original terms to
maturity of the Mortgage Loans in a given Mortgage Pool will vary depending
upon the type of Mortgage Loans included in such Mortgage Pool. The
Prospectus Supplement for a series of Securities will contain information
with respect to the types and maturities of the Mortgage Loans in the related
Mortgage Pool. To the extent specified in the related Prospectus Supplement,
the Mortgage Loans may be prepaid without penalty in full or in part at any
time. The prepayment experience with respect to the Mortgage Loans in a
Mortgage Pool will affect the maturity, average life and yield of the related
series of Securities.
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With respect to Balloon Loans, payment of the Balloon Amount (which,
based on the amortization schedule of such Mortgage Loans, may be a
substantial amount) will generally depend on the Mortgagor's ability to
obtain refinancing of such Mortgage Loan or to sell the Mortgaged Property
prior to the maturity of the Balloon Loan. The ability to obtain refinancing
will depend on a number of factors prevailing at the time refinancing or sale
is required, including, without limitation, real estate values, the
Mortgagor's financial situation, prevailing mortgage loan interest rates, the
Mortgagor's equity in the related Mortgaged Property, tax laws and prevailing
general economic conditions. Neither the Sponsor, the Servicer, nor any of
their affiliates will be obligated to refinance or repurchase any Mortgage
Loan or to sell the Mortgaged Property.
A number of factors, including homeowner mobility, economic conditions,
enforceability of due-on-sale clauses, mortgage market interest rates and the
availability of mortgage funds, affect prepayment experience. All Mortgage
Loans will contain due-on-sale provisions permitting the mortgagee to
accelerate the maturity of the Mortgage Loan upon sale or certain transfers
by the Mortgagor of the underlying Mortgaged Property. The 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
Servicer will not take any action in relation to the enforcement of any
due-on-sale provision that would adversely affect the interests of the
Securityholders or adversely affect or jeopardize coverage under any
applicable insurance policy. The extent to which the Mortgage Loans are
assumed by purchasers of the Mortgaged Properties rather than prepaid by the
related Mortgagors in connection with the sales of the Mortgaged Properties
will affect the weighted average life of the related series of Securities.
See "Description of the Securities - Collection and Other Servicing
Procedures" and "Certain Legal Aspects of Mortgage Loans and Related Matters
- - Enforceability of Certain Provisions" herein for a description of certain
provisions of the Pooling and Servicing Agreement and certain legal
developments that may affect the prepayment experience on the Mortgage Loans.
There can be no assurance as to the rate of prepayment of the Mortgage
Loans. The Sponsor is not aware of any reliable, publicly available
statistics relating to the principal prepayment experience of diverse
portfolios of mortgage loans such as the Mortgage Loans over an extended
period of time. All statistics known to the Sponsor that have been compiled
with respect to prepayment experience on mortgage loans indicates that while
some mortgage loans may remain outstanding until their stated maturities, a
substantial number will be paid prior to their respective stated maturities.
Although the Mortgage Rates on ARM Loans will be subject to periodic
adjustments, such adjustments will, as more fully described in the related
Prospectus Supplement, (i) not increase or decrease such Mortgage Rates by
more than a fixed percentage amount on each adjustment date, (ii) not
increase such Mortgage Rates over a fixed percentage amount during the life
of any ARM Loan and (iii) be based on an index (which may not rise and fall
consistently with mortgage interest rates) plus the related Note Margin
(which may be different from margins being used at the time for newly
originated adjustable rate mortgage loans). As a result, the Mortgage Rates
on the ARM Loans in a Mortgage Pool at any time may not equal the prevailing
rates for similar, newly originated adjustable rate mortgage loans. In
certain rate environments, the prevailing rates on fixed-rate mortgage loans
may be sufficiently low in relation to the then-current Mortgage Rates on ARM
Loans that the rate of prepayment may increase as a result of refinancings.
There can be no certainty as to the rate of prepayments on the Mortgage Loans
during any period or over the life of any series of Securities.
As may be described in the related Prospectus Supplement, the related
Pooling and Servicing Agreement may provide that all or a portion of the
principal collected on or with respect to the related Mortgage Loans may be
applied by the related Trustee to the acquisition of additional Mortgage
Loans during a specified period (rather than used to fund payments of
principal to Securityholders during such period) with the result that the
related securities possess an interest-only period, also commonly referred to
as a revolving period, which will be followed by an amortization period. Any
such interest-only or revolving period may, upon the occurrence of defaults
by the Sponsor or Servicer, as more particularly described in the related
Prospectus Supplement, terminate prior to the end of the specified period and
result in the earlier than expected amortization of the related Securities.
In addition, and as may be described in the related Prospectus
Supplement, the related Pooling and Servicing Agreement may provide that all
or a portion of such collected principal may be retained by the Trustee (and
held in
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certain temporary investments, including Mortgage Loans) for a specified
period prior to being used to fund payments of principal to Securityholders.
The result of such retention and temporary investment by the Trustee of
such principal would be to slow the amortization rate of the related
Securities relative to the amortization rate of the related Mortgage Loans,
or to attempt to match the amortization rate of the related Securities to an
amortization schedule established at the time such Securities are issued.
Any such feature applicable to any Securities may terminate upon the
occurrence of events to be described in the related Prospectus Supplement,
resulting in the current funding of principal payments to the related
Securityholders and an acceleration of the amortization of such Securities.
Under certain circumstances, the Servicer, the Sponsor or, if specified
in the related Prospectus Supplement, the holders of the REMIC Residual
Securities or the Credit Enhancer may have the option to purchase the
Mortgage Loans in a Trust Estate. See "The Pooling and Servicing Agreement -
Termination; Retirement of Securities" herein.
CERTAIN LEGAL ASPECTS OF MORTGAGE LOANS AND RELATED MATTERS
The following discussion contains summaries that describe all material
terms and provisions of the material legal aspects of the mortgage loans.
Because such legal aspects are governed in part by applicable state laws
(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 Mortgaged Properties may be situated. The
summaries are qualified in their entirety by reference to the applicable
federal and state laws governing the Mortgage Loans.
General
The Mortgage Loans will be secured by either deeds of trust or mortgages,
depending upon the prevailing practice in the state in which the Mortgaged
Property subject to a Mortgage Loan is located. In some states, a mortgage
creates a lien upon the real property encumbered by the mortgage. In other
states, the mortgage conveys legal title to the property to the mortgagee
subject to a condition subsequent (i.e., the payment of the indebtedness
secured thereby). The mortgage is not prior to the lien for real estate taxes
and assessments and other charges imposed under governmental police powers.
Priority between mortgages depends on their terms in some cases or on the
terms of separate subordination or intercreditor agreements, and generally on
the order of recordation of the mortgage in the appropriate recording office.
There are two parties to a mortgage, the mortgagor, who is the borrower and
homeowner, and the mortgagee, who is the lender. Under the mortgage
instrument, the mortgagor delivers to the mortgagee a note or bond and the
mortgage. In the case of a land trust, there are three parties because title
to the property is held by a land trustee under a land trust agreement of
which the borrower is the beneficiary; at origination of a mortgage loan, the
borrower executes a separate undertaking to make payments on the mortgage
note. Although a deed of trust is similar to a mortgage, a deed of trust has
three parties; the borrower-homeowner called the trustor (similar to a
mortgagor), a lender (similar to a mortgagee) called the beneficiary, and a
third-party grantee called the trustee. Under a deed of trust, the borrower
grants the property, irrevocably until the debt is paid, in trust, generally
with a power of sale, to the trustee to secure payment of the obligation.
The trustee's authority under a deed of trust and the mortgagee's authority
under a mortgage are governed by law, the express provisions of the deed of
trust or mortgage, and, in some cases, the directions of the beneficiary.
Cooperative Loans
If specified in the Prospectus Supplement relating to a series of
Securities, the Mortgage Loans also may consist of Cooperative Loans
evidenced by Cooperative Notes secured by security interests in shares issued
by cooperatives, which are private corporations that are entitled to be
treated as housing cooperatives under federal tax law, 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
that 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.
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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 the 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 generally
is 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 alterative, to purchase the
land could lead to termination of the cooperative's interest in the property
and termination of all proprietary leases and occupancy agreements. In
either event, 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 who 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 leases or occupancy
agreements that 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 on Shares of
Cooperatives" below.
Foreclosure
Foreclosure of a deed of trust is generally accomplished by a
non-judicial trustee's sale (private sale) under a specific provision in the
deed of trust and state laws that authorize the trustee to sell the property
upon any default by the borrower under the terms of the note or deed of
trust. Beside the non-judicial remedy, a deed of trust may be judicially
foreclosed. In addition to any notice requirements contained in a deed of
trust, in some states, the trustee must record a notice of default and within
a certain period of time send a copy to the borrower trustor and to any
person who has recorded a request for a copy of notice of default and notice
of sale. In addition, the trustee must provide notice in some states to any
other individual having an interest of record in the real property, including
any junior lienholders. If the deed of trust is not reinstated within a
specified period, a notice of sale must be posted in a public place and, in
most states, published for a specific period of time in one or more local
newspapers. In addition, some state laws require that a copy of the notice
of sale be posted on the property and sent to all parties having an interest
of record in the real property.
Foreclosure of a mortgage is generally accomplished by judicial action.
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
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the foreclosure may occasionally result from difficulties in locating
necessary parties. Judicial foreclosure proceedings are often not contested
by any of the applicable parties. If the mortgagee's right to foreclose is
contested, the legal proceedings necessary to resolve the issue can be
time-consuming.
In some states, the borrower-trustor has the right to reinstate the loan
at any time following default until shortly before the trustee's sale. In
general, in such states, the borrower, or any other person having a junior
encumbrance on the real estate, may, during a reinstatement period, cure the
default by paying the entire amount in arrears plus the costs and expenses
incurred in enforcing the obligation. Some states require that for a
specified Redemption Period, the borrower can repay the defaulted mortgage
loan and regain title to the related mortgaged property. In such
jurisdictions, the lender's ability to liquidate the foreclosed property
before the applicable Redemption Period has expired is limited.
In the case of foreclosure under either a mortgage or a deed of trust,
the sale by the referee or other designated officer or by the trustee is a
public sale. However, because of the difficulty a potential buyer at the
sale would have in determining the exact status of title and because the
physical condition of the property may have deteriorated during the
foreclosure proceedings, it is uncommon for a third party to purchase the
property at a foreclosure sale unless there is a great deal of economic
incentive for new purchaser to purchase the subject property at the sale.
Rather, it is common for the lender to purchase the property from the trustee
or referee for a credit bid less than or equal to the unpaid principal amount
of the mortgage or deed of trust, accrued and unpaid interest and the expense
of foreclosure. Generally, state law controls the amount of foreclosure
costs and expenses, including attorneys' fees, which may be recovered by a
lender. Thereafter, subject to the right of the borrower in some states to
remain in possession during the redemption period, the lender will assume the
burdens of ownership, including obtaining hazard insurance and making 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 and, in
some states, the lender may be entitled to a deficiency judgment. Any loss
may be reduced by the receipt of any mortgage insurance proceeds.
Foreclosure on Shares of Cooperatives
The cooperative shares and proprietary lease or occupancy agreement owned
by the tenant-stockholder and pledged to the lender are, in almost all cases,
subject to restrictions on transfer as set forth in the cooperative's
certificate of incorporation and by-laws, as well as in the proprietary lease
or occupancy agreement. The proprietary lease or occupancy agreement, even
while pledged, may be canceled 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. Commonly, rent and
other obligations and charges arising under a proprietary lease or occupancy
agreement that are owed to the cooperative are made liens upon the shares to
which the proprietary lease or occupancy agreement relates. In addition, the
proprietary lease or occupancy agreement generally permits the cooperative to
terminate such lease or agreement in the event the borrower defaults in the
performance of covenants thereunder. Typically, the lender and the
cooperative enter into a recognition agreement that, together with any lender
protection provisions contained in the proprietary lease, establishes the
rights and obligations of both parties in the event of a default by the
tenant-stockholder on its obligations under the proprietary lease or
occupancy agreement. A default by the tenant-stockholder under the
proprietary lease or occupancy agreement usually will constitute a default
under the security agreement between the lender and the tenant-stockholder.
The recognition agreement generally provides that, in the event that the
tenant-stockholder has defaulted under the proprietary lease or occupancy
agreement, the cooperative will take no action to terminate such lease or
agreement until the lender has been provided with notice of and an
opportunity to cure the default. The recognition agreement typically
provides that if the proprietary lease or occupancy agreement is terminated,
the cooperative will recognize the lender's lien against proceeds from a sale
of the cooperative apartment, subject, however, to the cooperative's right to
sums due under such proprietary lease or occupancy agreement or sums that
have become liens on the shares relating to the proprietary lease or
occupancy agreement. The total amount owed to the cooperative by the
tenant-stockholder, which the lender generally cannot restrict and does not
monitor, could reduce the amount realized upon a sale of the collateral below
the outstanding principal balance of the Cooperative Loan and accrued and
unpaid interest thereon.
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Recognition agreements generally 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-stockholder.
In New York, foreclosure on the cooperative shares is accomplished by
public sale in accordance with the provisions of Article 9 of the New York
Uniform Commercial Code (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 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 sale and the
sale price. Generally, a sale conducted according to the usual practice of
banks selling similar collateral will be considered reasonably conducted.
Article 9 of the UCC provides that the proceeds of the sale will be
applied first to pay the costs and expenses of the sale and then to satisfy
the indebtedness secured by the lender's security interest. The recognition
agreement, however, generally provides that the lender's right to
reimbursement is subject to the right of the cooperative corporation to
receive sums due under the proprietary lease or occupancy agreement. If
there are proceeds remaining, the lender must account to the
tenant-stockholder for the surplus. Conversely, if a portion of the
indebtedness remains unpaid, the tenant-stockholder is generally responsible
for the deficiency. See "Anti-Deficiency Legislation and Other Limitations
on Lenders" below.
Rights of Redemption
In some states, after sale pursuant to a deed of trust or foreclosure of
a mortgage, the borrower and foreclosed junior lienors or other parties are
given a statutory period in which to redeem the property from the foreclosure
sale. In some states, redemption may occur only upon payment of the entire
principal balance of the loan, accrued interest and expenses of foreclosure.
In other states, redemption may be authorized if the former borrower pays
only a portion of the sums due. The effect of a statutory right of
redemption is to diminish the ability of the lender to sell the foreclosed
property. The rights of redemption would defeat the title of any purchaser
subsequent to foreclosure 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, there is no right to redeem property after a
Trustee's sale under a deed of trust.
Anti-Deficiency Legislation and Other Limitations on Lenders
Certain states have imposed statutory prohibitions that limit the
remedies of the beneficiary under a deed of trust or a mortgagee under a
mortgage. In some states, statutes limit the right of the beneficiary or
mortgagee to obtain a deficiency judgment against the borrower following
foreclosure. A deficiency judgment is a personal judgment against the former
borrower equal in most cases to the difference between the amount due to the
lender and the net amount realized upon the public sale of the real property.
In the case of a Mortgage Loan secured by a property owned by a trust where
the Mortgage Note is executed on behalf of the trust, a deficiency judgment
against the trust following foreclosure or sale under a deed of trust, even
if obtainable under applicable law, may be of little value to the mortgagee
or beneficiary if there are no trust assets against which such deficiency
judgment may be executed. Other statutes require the beneficiary or
mortgagee to exhaust the security afforded under a deed of trust or mortgage
by foreclosure in an attempt to satisfy the full debt before bringing a
personal action against the borrower. In certain other states, the lender
has the option of bringing a personal action against the borrower 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. 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 borrower. Finally, in certain other states, statutory
provisions limit any deficiency judgment against the former borrower
following a foreclosure to the excess of the outstanding debt over the fair
value of the property at the time of the public sale. The purpose of these
statutes is generally to prevent a beneficiary or mortgagee from obtaining a
large deficiency judgment against the former borrower as a result of low or
no bids at the judicial sale.
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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 also have 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, on certain types of
loans such as those secured by second liens and investor-owned properties,
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.
Certain state courts have imposed general equitable principles upon
judicial foreclosure. These equitable principles are generally designed to
relieve the borrower from the legal effect of the borrower's default under
the related loan documents. Examples of judicial remedies that have been
fashioned include judicial requirements that the lender undertake affirmative
and expensive actions to determine the causes for the borrower's default and
the likelihood that the borrower will be able to reinstate the loan. In some
cases, courts have required that lenders reinstate loans or recast payment
schedules in order to accommodate borrowers who are suffering from temporary
financial disabilities. In other cases, such courts have limited the right
of the lender to foreclose if the default under the loan is not monetary,
such as the borrower failing to adequately maintain the property or the
borrower executing a second deed of trust affecting the property.
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, by example, 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 and the State Licensing
Laws and fair debt collection practices acts. These laws and regulations
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.
Environmental Considerations
Real property pledged as security to a lender may be subject to
unforeseen environmental risks. Under the laws of certain states,
contamination of a property may give rise to a lien on the property to assure
the payment of the costs of clean-up. In several states such a lien has
priority over the lien of an existing mortgage against such property. In
addition, under CERCLA, the United States Environmental Protection Agency
(the "EPA") may impose a lien on property where the EPA has incurred cleanup
costs. However, a CERCLA lien is subordinate to pre-existing, perfected
security interests.
Under the laws of some states, and under CERCLA, it is conceivable that a
lender may be held liable, as an "owner" or "operator," for costs of
addressing releases or threatened releases of hazardous substances at a
Mortgaged Property, regardless of whether or not the environmental damage or
threat was caused by a prior owner or operator. CERCLA imposes liability on
any and all "responsible parties" (which term includes, among others, the
property owner and operator) for the cost of clean-up of releases of
hazardous substances. However, CERCLA excludes from the definition of "owner
or operator" secured creditors who hold indicia of ownership for the purpose
of protecting their security interest, but "without participating in the
management of the facility."
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Court decisions, such as United States v. Fleet Factors Corp., 901 F.2d
1550 (11th Cir. 1990), cert. denied, 498 US 1049 (1991) (CERCLA liability may
be imposed on a secured lender if it has the ability to participate in
management), and Kelley v. EPA, 15 F.3d 1100 (D.C. Cir. 1994), cert. denied
sub nom, American Bankers Ass'n v. Kelley, 115 S. Ct. 900 (1995) (invalidated
the Lender Liability Rule issued by the EPA in 1992) created considerable
uncertainty about the scope and availability of the secured lender's
exemption from liability. In September 1996, however, Congress passed the
Asset Conservation, Lender Liability, and Deposit Insurance Protection Act of
1996 to address this uncertainty in federal law. This statute codified EPA's
Lender Liability Rule into law and, among other things, clarified the
exemption by defining more clearly the circumstances under which a lender
will be deemed to have participated in management. The following states have
adopted statutes or rules that specify the activities that do, or do not,
constitute participation in management for the purpose of qualifying for the
lender/fiduciary exemption from owner and operator liability for
environmental harms: California, Idaho, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan,
New Hampshire, New Jersey, Ohio, Oregon, Tennessee, Vermont and Wisconsin.
In the jurisdictions in which such enactments are in effect, the
environmental liability risks associated with protecting a security interest
in property have been reduced, although not completely eliminated.
The costs associated with an environmental clean-up may be substantial.
If the related Trustee or Servicer is deemed to have participated in
management of a contaminated property that is part of the Trust it is likely
that remedial costs would become a liability of that Trust and in certain
circumstances, of the Trustee. Such an occurrence could occasion a loss to
Securityholders. If a lender is or becomes liable, it can bring an action
for contribution against other "responsible parties," including a previous
owner or operator, who created the environmental hazard, but those persons or
entities may be bankrupt or otherwise judgment proof.
At the time the Mortgage Loans were originated, no environmental
assessment or a very limited environmental assessment of the Mortgaged
Properties was conducted.
Enforceability of Certain Provisions
Generally all of the Mortgage Loans contain due-on-sale clauses. These
clauses permit the lender to accelerate the maturity of the loan if the
borrower sells, transfers or conveys the property. The enforceability of
these clauses has been the subject of legislation or litigation in many
states including California, and in some cases the enforceability of these
clauses was limited or denied. However, the Garn-St Germain Depository
Institutions Act of 1982 (the "Garn-St Germain Act") 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. The
Garn-St Germain Act does "encourage" lenders to permit assumption of loans at
the original rate of interest or at some other rate less than the average of
the original rate and the market rate.
The Garn-St Germain Act also sets forth nine specific instances in which
a mortgage lender covered by the Garn-St Germain Act may not exercise a
due-on-sale clause, notwithstanding the fact that a transfer of the property
may have occurred. These include intra-family transfers, certain transfers
by operation of law, leases of fewer than three years and the creation of a
junior encumbrance. Regulations promulgated under the Garn-St Germain Act
also prohibit the imposition of a prepayment penalty upon the acceleration of
a loan pursuant to a due-on-sale clause.
The inability to enforce a due-on-sale clause may result in a mortgage
loan bearing an interest rate below the current market rate being assumed by
a new home buyer rather than being paid off, that may have an impact upon the
average life of the Mortgage Loans and the number of Mortgage Loans that may
be outstanding until maturity.
Upon foreclosure, courts have imposed general equitable principles.
These equitable principles generally are designed to relieve the borrower
from the legal effect of his defaults under the loan documents. Examples of
judicial remedies that have been fashioned include judicial requirements that
the lender undertake affirmative and expensive actions to determine the
causes for the borrower's default and the likelihood that the borrower will
be able to reinstate the loan. In some cases, courts have substituted their
judgment for the lender's judgment and have required that lenders reinstate
loans or recast payment schedules in order to accommodate borrowers who are
suffering from temporary financial disability. In other cases, courts have
limited the right of the lender to foreclose if the default under the
mortgage instrument is not monetary, such as the borrower failing to
adequately maintain the property or the borrower executing a second mortgage
or deed of trust affecting the property. Finally, some courts have been
faced with the
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issue of whether or not federal or state constitutional provisions reflecting
due process concerns for adequate notice require that borrowers under deeds
of trust or mortgages receive notices in addition to the statutorily
prescribed minimum. For the most part, these cases have upheld the notice
provisions as being reasonable or have found that the sale by a trustee under
a deed of trust, or under a mortgage having a power of sale, does not involve
sufficient state action to afford constitutional protections to the borrower.
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 or to limit discount points or other
charges.
As indicated above under "Mortgage Loan Program - Representations by the
Sponsor and Originators," each Originator of a Mortgage Loan will have
represented that such Mortgage Loan was originated in compliance with then
applicable state laws, including usury laws, in all material respects.
However, the Mortgage Rates on the Mortgage Loans will be subject to
applicable usury laws as in effect from time to time.
Alternative Mortgage Instruments
Alternative mortgage instruments, including ARM Loans and early ownership
mortgage loans, originated by non-federally chartered lenders have
historically been subjected 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
alterative 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 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 effected by the Relief Act. Application
of the Relief Act would adversely affect, for an indeterminate period of
time, the ability of the Servicer to collect full amounts of interest on
certain of the Mortgage Loans. Any shortfall in interest collections
resulting from the application of the Relief Act or similar legislation or
regulations, which would not be
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recoverable from the related Mortgage Loans, would result in a reduction of
the amounts distributable to the holders of the related Securities, and would
not be covered by advances, any Letter of Credit or any other form of credit
enhancement (other than a Financial Guaranty Insurance Policy) provided in
connection with the related series of Securities. 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 the Relief Act or
similar legislation or regulations applies to any Mortgage Loan that goes
into default, there may be delays in payment and losses on the related
Securities in connection therewith. Any other interest shortfalls, deferrals
or forgiveness of payments on the Mortgage Loans resulting from similar
legislation or regulations may result in delays in payments or losses to
Securityholders of the related series.
MATERIAL FEDERAL INCOME TAX CONSEQUENCES
General
The following general discussion of the material anticipated federal
income tax consequences to investors of the purchase, ownership and
disposition of the Securities of any series offered hereby, to the extent it
relates to matters of law or legal conclusions with respect thereto,
represents the opinion of Andrews & Kurth L.L.P., tax counsel to the Sponsor
with respect to material matters associated with such consequences, subject
to any qualifications set forth herein. The discussion below is based upon
laws, regulations, rulings and decisions now in effect, all of which are
subject to change, and does not purport to deal with all federal tax
consequences applicable to all categories of investors, some of which may be
subject to special rules. Investors should consult their own tax advisors in
determining the federal, state, local and any other tax consequences to them
of the purchase, ownership and disposition of the Securities of a given
series. Andrews & Kurth L.L.P., tax counsel to the Sponsor, will deliver its
opinion to the Sponsor with respect to the description of material federal
income tax consequences in the related Prospectus Supplement for each series
of Securities. The Sponsor will file each such opinion as an exhibit to the
Current Report on Form 8-K filed by the Sponsor in connection with the
issuance of the related series of Securities.
The following discussion addresses securities of three general types:
(i) securities ("Grantor Trust Securities") representing interests in a Trust
Estate (a "Grantor Trust Estate"), which the Sponsor will covenant not to
elect to have treated as a real estate mortgage investment conduit ("REMIC");
(ii) securities ("REMIC Securities") representing interests in a Trust
Estate, or a portion thereof, which the Sponsor will covenant to elect to
have treated as a REMIC under sections 860A through 860G of the Internal
Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the "Code"); and (iii) securities ("Debt
Securities") that are intended to be treated for federal income tax purposes
as indebtedness secured by the underlying Mortgage Loans. This Prospectus
does not address the tax treatment of partnership interests. Such a
discussion will be set forth in the applicable Prospectus Supplement for any
Trust issuing Securities characterized as partnership interests. The
Prospectus Supplement for each series of Securities will indicate whether a
REMIC election (or elections) will be made for the related Trust Estate and,
if a REMIC election is to be made, will identify all "regular interests" and
"residual interests" in the REMIC. For purposes of this discussion,
references to a "Securityholder" or a "Holder" are to the beneficial owner of
a Security.
Grantor Trust Securities
With respect to each series of Grantor Trust Securities, Andrews & Kurth
L.L.P., tax counsel to the Sponsor, will deliver its opinion to the Sponsor
that the related Grantor Trust Estate will be classified as a grantor trust
and not as a partnership or an association taxable as a corporation.
Accordingly, each Holder of a Grantor Trust Security will generally be
treated as the owner of an interest in the Mortgage Loans included in the
Grantor Trust Estate.
For purposes of the following discussion, a Grantor Trust Security
representing an undivided equitable ownership interest in the principal of
the Mortgage Loans constituting the related Grantor Trust Estate, together
with interest thereon at a pass-through rate, will be referred to as a
"Grantor Trust Fractional Interest Security." A Grantor Trust Security
representing ownership of all or a portion of the difference between interest
paid on the Mortgage Loans constituting the related Grantor Trust Estate and
interest paid to the Holders of Grantor Trust Fractional Interest Securities
issued with respect to such Grantor Trust Estate will be referred to as a
"Grantor Trust Strip Security."
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Special Tax Attributes
With respect to each series of Grantor Trust Securities, (a) Grantor
Trust Fractional Interest Securities will represent interests in (i) "loans
secured by an interest in real property" within the meaning of section
7701(a)(19)(C)(v) of the Code; and (ii) "obligation[s] (including any
participation or certificate of beneficial ownership therein) which are
principally secured by an interest in real property" within the meaning of
section 860G(a)(3)(A) of the Code; and (b) interest on Grantor Trust
Fractional Interest Securities will be considered "interest on obligations
secured by mortgages on real property or on interests in real property"
within the meaning of section 856(c)(3)(B) of the Code. In addition, the
Grantor Trust Strip Securities will be "obligations (including any
participation or certificate of beneficial ownership therein) principally
secured by an interest in real property" within the meaning of section
860G(a)(3)(A) of the Code.
Taxation of Holders of Grantor Trust Securities
Holders of Grantor Trust Fractional Interest Securities generally will be
required to report on their federal income tax returns their respective
shares of the income from the Mortgage Loans (including amounts used to pay
reasonable servicing fees and other expenses but excluding amounts payable to
Holders of any corresponding Grantor Trust Strip Securities) and, subject to
the limitations described below, will be entitled to deduct their shares of
any such reasonable servicing fees and other expenses. If a Holder acquires
a Grantor Trust Fractional Interest Security for an amount that differs from
its outstanding principal amount, the amount includible in income on a
Grantor Trust Fractional Interest Security may differ from the amount of
interest distributable thereon. See "Discount and Premium" below.
Individuals holding a Grantor Trust Fractional Interest Security directly or
through certain pass-through entities will be allowed a deduction for such
reasonable servicing fees and expenses only to the extent that the aggregate
of such Holder's miscellaneous itemized deductions exceeds two percent of
such Holder's adjusted gross income. Further, Holders (other than
corporations) subject to the alternative minimum tax may not deduct
miscellaneous itemized deductions in determining alternative minimum taxable
income.
Holders of Grantor Trust Strip Securities generally will be required to
treat such Securities as "stripped coupons" under section 1286 of the Code.
Accordingly, such a Holder will be required to treat the excess of the total
amount of payments on such a Security over the amount paid for such Security
as original issue discount and to include such discount in income as it
accrues over the life of such Security. See "Discount and Premium" below.
Grantor Trust Fractional Interest Securities may also be subject to the
coupon stripping rules if a class of Grantor Trust Strip Securities is issued
as part of the same series of Securities. The consequences of the
application of the coupon stripping rules would appear to be that any
discount arising upon the purchase of such a Security (and perhaps all stated
interest thereon) would be classified as original issue discount and
includible in the Holder's income as it accrues (regardless of the Holder's
method of accounting), as described below under "Discount and Premium." The
coupon stripping rules will not apply, however, if (i) the pass-through rate
is no more than 100 basis points (1.00%) lower than the gross rate of
interest payable on the underlying Mortgage Loans and (ii) the difference
between the outstanding principal balance on the Security and the amount paid
for such Security is less than 0.25% of such principal balance times the
weighted average remaining maturity of the Security.
Sales of Grantor Trust Securities
Any gain or loss recognized on the sale of a Grantor Trust Security
(equal to the difference between the amount realized on the sale and the
adjusted basis of such Grantor Trust Security) will be capital gain or loss,
except to the extent of accrued and unrecognized interest and market
discount, which will be treated as ordinary income, and in the case of banks
and other financial institutions except as provided under section 582(c) of
the Code. The adjusted basis of a Grantor Trust Security will generally
equal its cost, increased by any income reported by the seller (including
original issue discount and market discount income) and reduced (but not
below zero) by any previously reported losses, any amortized premium and by
any distributions of principal.
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Grantor Trust Reporting
The Trustee will furnish to each Holder of a Grantor Trust
Fractional Interest Security with each distribution a statement
setting forth the amount of such distribution allocable to principal
on the underlying Mortgage Loans and to interest thereon at the
related Pass-Through Rate. In addition, within a reasonable time
after the end of each calendar year, based on information provided by
the Servicer, the Trustee will furnish to each Holder during such year
such customary factual information as the Servicer deems necessary or
desirable to enable Holders of Grantor Trust Securities to prepare
their tax returns and will furnish comparable information to the
Internal Revenue Service (the "IRS") as and when required to do so by
law.
REMIC Securities
If provided in an applicable Prospectus Supplement, an election
will be made to treat a Trust Estate as a REMIC under the Code.
Qualification as a REMIC requires ongoing compliance with certain
conditions. With respect to each series of Securities for which such
an election is made, Andrews & Kurth L.L.P., tax counsel to the
Sponsor, will deliver its opinion to the Sponsor that, assuming
compliance with the Pooling and Servicing Agreement, the Trust Estate
will be treated as a REMIC for federal income tax purposes. A Trust
Estate for which a REMIC election is made will be referred to herein
as a "REMIC Trust." The Securities of each class will be designated
as "regular interests" in the REMIC Trust except that a separate class
will be designated as the "residual interest" in the REMIC Trust. The
Prospectus Supplement for each series of Securities will state whether
Securities of each class will constitute a regular interest (a
"Regular Security") or a residual interest (a "Residual Security").
A REMIC Trust will not be subject to federal income tax except
with respect to income from prohibited transactions and in certain
other instances described below. See - "Taxes on a REMIC Trust"
herein. Generally, the total income from the Mortgage Loans in a
REMIC Trust will be taxable to the Holders of the Securities of that
series, as described below.
Regulations issued by the Treasury Department on December 23,
1992 (the "REMIC Regulations") provide some guidance regarding the
federal income tax consequences associated with the purchase,
ownership and disposition of REMIC Securities. While certain material
provisions of the REMIC Regulations are discussed below, investors
should consult their own tax advisors regarding the possible
application of the REMIC Regulations in their specific circumstances.
Special Tax Attributes
Regular and Residual Securities will be "regular or residual
interests in a REMIC" within the meaning of section 7701(a)(19)(C)(xi)
of the Code, and "real estate assets" within the meaning of section
856(c)(5)(A) of the Code. If at any time during a calendar year less
than 95 percent of the assets of a REMIC Trust consist of "qualified
mortgages" (within the meaning of section 860G(a)(3) of the Code) then
the portion of the Regular and Residual Securities that are qualifying
assets under those sections during such calendar year may be limited
to the portion of the assets of such REMIC Trust that are qualified
mortgages. Similarly, income on the Regular and Residual Securities
will be treated as "interest on obligations secured by mortgages on
real property" within the meaning of section 856(c)(3)(B) of the Code,
subject to the same limitation as set forth in the preceding sentence.
For purposes of applying this limitation, a REMIC Trust should be
treated as owning the assets represented by the qualified mortgages.
The assets of the Trust Estate will include, in addition to the
Mortgage Loans, payments on the Mortgage Loans held pending
distribution on the Regular and Residual Securities and any
reinvestment income thereon. Regular and Residual Securities held by
a financial institution to which section 585 or 586 of the Code
applies will be treated as evidences of indebtedness for purposes of
section 582(c)(1) of the Code. Regular Securities will also be
qualified mortgages with respect to other REMICs.
Taxation of Holders of Regular Securities
Except as indicated below in this federal income tax discussion,
the Regular Securities will be treated for federal income tax purposes
as debt instruments issued by the REMIC Trust on the date such
Securities are first sold to the public (the "Settlement Date") and
not as ownership interests in the REMIC Trust or its assets. Holders
of Regular
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Securities that otherwise report income under a cash method of accounting
will be required to report income with respect to such Securities under an
accrual method. For additional tax consequences relating to Regular
Securities purchased at a discount or with premium, see "Discount and
Premium" below.
Taxation of Holders of Residual Securities
Daily Portions. Except as indicated below, a Holder of a
Residual Security for a REMIC Trust generally will be required to
report its daily portion of the taxable income or net loss of the
REMIC Trust for each day during a calendar quarter that the Holder
owned such Residual Security. For this purpose, the daily portion
shall be determined by allocating to each day in the calendar quarter
its ratable portion of the taxable income or net loss of the REMIC
Trust for such quarter and by allocating the amount so allocated among
the Residual Holders (on such day) in accordance with their percentage
interests on such day. Any amount included in the gross income or
allowed as a loss of any Residual Holder by virtue of this paragraph
will be treated as ordinary income or loss.
The requirement that each Holder of a Residual Security report
its daily portion of the taxable income or net loss of the REMIC Trust
will continue until there are no Securities of any class outstanding,
even though the Holder of the Residual Security may have received full
payment of the stated interest and principal on its Residual Security.
The Trustee will provide to Holders of Residual Securities of
each series of Securities (i) such information as is necessary to
enable them to prepare their federal income tax returns and (ii) any
reports regarding the Securities of such series that may be required
under the Code.
Taxable Income or Net Loss of a REMIC Trust. The taxable income
or net loss of a REMIC Trust will be the income from the qualified
mortgages it holds and any reinvestment earnings less deductions
allowed to the REMIC Trust. Such taxable income or net loss for a
given calendar quarter will be determined in the same manner as for an
individual having the calendar year as the taxable year and using the
accrual method of accounting, with certain modifications. The first
modification is that a deduction will be allowed for accruals of
interest (including any original issue discount, but without regard to
the investment interest limitation in section 163(d) of the Code) on
the Regular Securities (but not the Residual Securities), even though
Regular Securities are for non-tax purposes evidences of beneficial
ownership rather than indebtedness of a REMIC Trust. Second, market
discount or premium equal to the difference between the total stated
principal balances of the qualified mortgages and the basis to the
REMIC Trust therein generally will be included in income (in the case
of discount) or deductible (in the case of premium) by the REMIC Trust
as it accrues under a constant yield method, taking into account the
Prepayment Assumption (as defined in the applicable Prospectus
Supplement). See "Discount and Premium - Original Issue Discount"
below. The basis to a REMIC Trust in the qualified mortgages is the
aggregate of the issue prices of all the Regular and Residual
Securities in the REMIC Trust on the Settlement Date. If, however, a
substantial amount of a class of Regular or Residual Securities has
not been sold to the public, then the fair market value of all the
Regular or Residual Securities in that class as of the date of the
Prospectus Supplement should be substituted for the issue price.
Third, no item of income, gain, loss or deduction allocable to a
prohibited transaction (see "Taxes on a REMIC Trust - Prohibited
Transactions" below) will be taken into account. Fourth, a REMIC
Trust generally may not deduct any item that would not be allowed in
calculating the taxable income of a partnership by virtue of section
703(a)(2) of the Code. Finally, the limitation on miscellaneous
itemized deductions imposed on individuals by section 67 of the Code
will not be applied at the REMIC Trust level to any servicing and
guaranty fees. (See, however, "Pass-Through of Servicing and Guaranty
Fees to Individuals" below.) In addition, under the REMIC Regulations,
any expenses that are incurred in connection with the formation of a
REMIC Trust and the issuance of the Regular and Residual Securities
are not treated as expenses of the REMIC Trust for which a deduction
is allowed. If the deductions allowed to a REMIC Trust exceed its
gross income for a calendar quarter, such excess will be a net loss
for the REMIC Trust for that calendar quarter. The REMIC Regulations
also provide that any gain or loss to a REMIC Trust from the
disposition of any asset, including a qualified mortgage or "permitted
investment" (as defined in section 86OG(a)(5) of the Code) will be
treated as ordinary gain or loss.
A Holder of a Residual Security may be required to recognize
taxable income without being entitled to receive a corresponding
amount of cash. This could occur, for example, if the qualified
mortgages are considered to be purchased by the REMIC Trust at a
discount, some or all of the Regular Securities are issued at a
discount, and the
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discount included as a result of a prepayment on a Mortgage Loan that is used
to pay principal on the Regular Securities exceeds the REMIC Trust's
deduction for unaccrued original issue discount relating to such Regular
Securities. Taxable income may also be greater in earlier years because
interest expense deductions, expressed as a percentage of the outstanding
principal amount of the Regular Securities, may increase over time as the
earlier classes of Regular Securities are paid, whereas interest income with
respect to any given Mortgage Loan expressed as a percentage of the
outstanding principal amount of that Mortgage Loan, will remain constant over
time.
Basis Rules and Distributions. A Holder of a Residual Security
has an initial basis in its Security equal to the amount paid for such
Residual Security. Such basis is increased by amounts included in the
income of the Holder and decreased by distributions and by any net
loss taken into account with respect to such Residual Security. A
distribution on a Residual Security to a Holder is not included in
gross income to the extent it does not exceed such Holder's basis in
the Residual Security (adjusted as described above) and, to the extent
it exceeds the adjusted basis of the Residual Security, shall be
treated as gain from the sale of the Residual Security.
A Holder of a Residual Security is not allowed to take into
account any net loss for any calendar quarter to the extent such net
loss exceeds such Holder's adjusted basis in its Residual Security as
of the close of such calendar quarter (determined without regard to
such net loss). Any loss disallowed by reason of this limitation may
be carried forward indefinitely to future calendar quarters and,
subject to the same limitation, may be used only to offset income from
the Residual Security.
Excess Inclusions. Any excess inclusions with respect to a
Residual Security are subject to certain special tax rules. With
respect to a Holder of a Residual Security, the excess inclusion for
any calendar quarter is defined as the excess (if any) of the daily
portions of taxable income over the sum of the "daily accruals" for
each day during such quarter that such Residual Security was held by
such Holder. The daily accruals are determined by allocating to each
day during a calendar quarter its ratable portion of the product of
the "adjusted issue price" of the Residual Security at the beginning
of the calendar quarter and 120 percent of the "federal long-term
rate" in effect on the Settlement Date, based on quarterly
compounding, and properly adjusted for the length of such quarter.
For this purpose, the adjusted issue price of a Residual Security as
of the beginning of any calendar quarter is equal to the issue price
of the Residual Security, increased by the amount of daily accruals
for all prior quarters and decreased by any distributions made with
respect to such Residual Security before the beginning of such
quarter. The issue price of a Residual Security is the initial
offering price to the public (excluding bond houses and brokers) at
which a substantial amount of the Residual Securities was sold. The
federal long-term rate is a blend of current yields on Treasury
securities having a maturity of more than nine years, computed and
published monthly by the IRS.
For Holders of Residual Securities, any excess inclusions cannot
be offset by losses from other activities. For Holders that are
subject to tax only on unrelated business taxable income (as defined
in section 511 of the Code), an excess inclusion of such Holder is
treated as unrelated business taxable income. With respect to
variable contracts (within the meaning of section 817 of the Code), a
life insurance company cannot adjust its reserve to the extent of any
excess inclusion, except as provided in regulations. The REMIC
Regulations indicate that if a Holder of a Residual Security is a
member of an affiliated group filing a consolidated income tax return,
the taxable income of the affiliated group cannot be less than the sum
of the excess inclusions attributable to all residual interests in
REMICs held by members of the affiliated group. For a discussion of
the effect of excess inclusions on certain foreign investors that own
Residual Securities, see "Foreign Investors" below.
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 Residual Security as excess
inclusions if the Residual Securities in the aggregate are considered
not to have "significant value." The Small Business Job Protection
Act ("SBJPA") of 1996 has eliminated the special rule permitting
section 593 institutions ("thrift institutions") to use net operating
losses and other allowable deductions to offset their excess inclusion
income from Residual Securities that have "significant value" within
the meaning of the REMIC Regulations, effective for taxable years
beginning after December 31, 1995, except with respect to Residual
Securities continuously held by thrift institutions since November 1,
1995.
In addition, the SBJPA of 1996 provides three rules for
determining the effect of excess inclusions on the alternative minimum
taxable income of a holder of a Residual Security. First, alternative
minimum taxable income for
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a holder of a Residual Security is determined without regard to the special
rule, discussed above, that taxable income cannot be less than excess
inclusions. Second, a Residual Security holder's alternative minimum taxable
income for a taxable year cannot be less than the excess inclusions for the
year. Third, the amount of any alternative minimum tax net operating loss
deduction must be computed without regard to any excess inclusions. These
rules are effective for taxable years beginning after December 31, 1986,
unless a holder of a Residual Security elects to have such rules apply only
to taxable years beginning after August 20, 1996.
In the case of any Residual Securities that are held by a real
estate investment trust, the aggregate excess inclusions with respect
to such Residual Securities reduced (but not below zero) by the real
estate investment trust taxable income (within the meaning of section
857(b)(2) of the Code, excluding any net capital gain) will be
allocated among the shareholders of such trust, and any amount so
allocated will be treated as an excess inclusion with respect to a
Residual Security as if held directly by such shareholder. Similar
rules will apply in the case of regulated investment companies, common
trust funds and certain cooperatives that hold a Residual Security.
Pass-Through of Servicing and Guaranty Fees to Individuals. A
Holder of a Residual Security who is an individual will be required to
include in income a share of any servicing and guaranty fees. A
deduction for such fees will be allowed to such Holder only to the
extent that such fees, along with certain of such Holder's other
miscellaneous itemized deductions exceed 2 percent of such Holder's
adjusted gross income. In addition, a Holder of a Residual Security
may not be able to deduct any portion of such fees in computing such
Holder's alternative minimum tax liability. A Holder's share of such
fees will generally be determined by (i) allocating the amount of such
expenses for each calendar quarter on a pro rata basis to each day in
the calendar quarter, and (ii) allocating the daily amount among the
Holders in proportion to their respective holdings on such day.
Mark to Market Rules. A Residual Security acquired after
January 3, 1995 cannot be marked-to-market.
Taxes on a REMIC Trust
Prohibited Transactions. The Code imposes a tax on a REMIC equal
to 100 percent of the net income derived from "prohibited
transactions." In general, a prohibited transaction means the
disposition of a qualified mortgage other than pursuant to certain
specified exceptions, the receipt of investment income from a source
other than a Mortgage Loan or certain other permitted investments, the
receipt of compensation for services, or the disposition of an asset
purchased with the payments on the qualified mortgages for temporary
investment pending distribution on the regular and residual interests.
Contributions to a REMIC after the Startup Day. The Code imposes
a tax on a REMIC equal to 100 percent of the value of any property
contributed to the REMIC after the "startup day" (generally the same
as the Settlement Date). Exceptions are provided for cash
contributions to a REMIC (i) during the three month period beginning
on the startup day, (ii) made to a qualified reserve fund by a Holder
of a residual interest, (iii) in the nature of a guarantee, (iv) made
to facilitate a qualified liquidation or clean-up call, and (v) as
otherwise permitted by Treasury regulations.
Net Income from Foreclosure Property. The Code imposes a tax on
a REMIC equal to the highest corporate rate on "net income from
foreclosure property." The terms "foreclosure property" (which
includes property acquired by deed in lieu of foreclosure) and "net
income from foreclosure property" are defined by reference to the
rules applicable to real estate investment trusts. Generally,
foreclosure property would be treated as such for a period of two
years, with possible extensions. Net income from foreclosure property
generally means gain from the sale of foreclosure property that is
inventory property and gross income from foreclosure property other
than qualifying rents and other qualifying income for a real estate
investment trust.
Sales of REMIC Securities
General. Except as provided below, if a Regular or Residual
Security is sold, the seller will recognize gain or loss equal to the
difference between the amount realized in the sale and its adjusted
basis in the Security. The adjusted basis of a Regular Security
generally will equal the cost of such Security to the seller,
increased by any original issue discount or market discount included
in the seller's gross income with respect to such Security and reduced
by distributions on such Security previously received by the seller of
amounts included in the stated redemption price at
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maturity and by any premium that has reduced the seller's interest income
with respect to such Security. See "Discount and Premium" herein. The
adjusted basis of a Residual Security is determined as described above under
"Taxation of Holders of Residual Securities - Basis Rules and Distributions."
Except as provided in the following paragraph or under section 582(c) of the
Code, any such gain or loss will be capital gain or loss, provided such
Security is held as a "capital asset" (generally, property held for
investment) within the meaning of section 1221 of the Code.
Gain from the sale of a Regular Security 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 the income of the Holder of a Regular
Security had income accrued at a rate equal to 110 percent of the
"applicable federal rate" (generally, an average of current yields on
Treasury securities) as of the date of purchase over (ii) the amount
actually includible in such Holder's income. In addition, gain
recognized on such a sale by a Holder of a Regular Security who
purchased a such Security at a market discount would also be taxable
as ordinary income in an amount not exceeding the portion of such
discount that accrued during the period such Security was held by such
Holder, reduced by any market discount includible in income under the
rules described below under "Discount and Premium."
If a Holder of a Residual Security sells its Residual Security at
a loss, the loss will not be recognized if, within six months before
or after the sale of the Residual Security, such Holder purchases
another residual interest in any REMIC or any interest in a taxable
mortgage pool (as defined in section 7701(i) of the Code) comparable
to a residual interest in a REMIC. Such disallowed loss would be
allowed upon the sale of the other residual interest (or comparable
interest) if the rule referred to in the preceding sentence does not
apply to that sale. While this rule may be modified by Treasury
regulations, no such regulations have yet been published.
Transfers of Residual Securities. Section 860E(e) of the Code
imposes a substantial tax, payable by the transferor (or, if a
transfer is through a broker, nominee, or other middleman as the
transferee's agent, payable by that agent) upon any transfer of a
Residual Security to a disqualified organization and upon a
pass-through entity (including regulated investment companies, real
estate investment trusts, common trust funds, partnerships, trusts,
estates, certain cooperatives, and nominees) that owns a Residual
Security if such pass-through entity has a disqualified organization
as a record-holder. For purposes of the preceding sentence, a
transfer includes any transfer of record or beneficial ownership,
whether pursuant to a purchase, a default under a secured lending
agreement or otherwise.
The term "disqualified organization" includes the United States,
any state or political subdivision thereof, any foreign government,
any international organization, or any agency or instrumentality of
the foregoing (other than certain taxable instrumentalities), any
cooperative organization furnishing electric energy or providing
telephone service to persons in rural areas, or any organization
(other than a farmers' cooperative) that is exempt from federal income
tax, unless such organization is subject to the tax on unrelated
business income. Moreover, an entity will not qualify as a REMIC
unless there are reasonable arrangements designed to ensure that (i)
residual interests in such entity are not held by disqualified
organizations and (ii) information necessary for the application of
the tax described herein will be made available. Restrictions on the
transfer of a Residual Security and certain other provisions that are
intended to meet this requirement are described in the Pooling and
Servicing Agreement, and will be discussed more fully in the
applicable Prospectus Supplement relating to the offering of any
Residual Security. In addition, a pass-through entity (including a
nominee) that holds a Residual Security may be subject to additional
taxes if a disqualified organization is a record-holder therein. A
transferor of a Residual Security (or an agent of a transferee of a
Residual Security, as the case may be) will be relieved of such tax
liability if (i) the transferee furnishes to the transferor (or the
transferee's agent) an affidavit that the transferee is not a
disqualified organization, and (ii) the transferor (or the
transferee's agent) does not have actual knowledge that the affidavit
is false at the time of the transfer. Similarly, no such tax will be
imposed on a pass-through entity for a period with respect to an
interest therein owned by a disqualified organization if (i) the
record-holder of such interest furnishes to the pass-through entity an
affidavit that it is not a disqualified organization, and (ii) during
such period, the pass-through entity has no actual knowledge that the
affidavit is false.
Under the REMIC Regulations, a transfer of a "noneconomic
residual interest" to a U.S. Person will be disregarded for all
federal tax purposes unless no significant purpose of the transfer is
to impede the assessment or collection of tax. A Residual Security
would be treated as constituting a noneconomic residual interest
unless, at the time of the transfer, (i) the present value of the
expected future distributions on the Residual Security is no less than
the product of the present value of the "anticipated excess
inclusions" with respect to such Security and the highest
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corporate rate of tax for the year in which the transfer occurs, and (ii) the
transferor reasonably expects that the transferee will receive distributions
from the applicable REMIC Trust in an amount sufficient to satisfy the
liability for income tax on any "excess inclusions" at or after the time when
such liability accrues. Anticipated excess inclusions are the excess
inclusions that are anticipated to be allocated to each calendar quarter (or
portion thereof) following the transfer of a Residual Security, determined as
of the date such Security is transferred and based on events that have
occurred as of that date and on the Prepayment Assumption. See "Discount and
Premium" and "- Taxation of Holders of Residual Securities - Excess
Inclusions" herein.
The REMIC Regulations provide that a significant purpose to
impede the assessment or collection of tax exists if, at the time of
the transfer, a transferor of a Residual Security has "improper
knowledge" (i.e., 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 Trust). A transferor is presumed
not to have improper knowledge if (i) the transferor conducts, at the
time of a transfer, a reasonable investigation of the financial
condition of the transferee and, as a result of the investigation, the
transferor finds that the transferee has historically paid its debts
as they come due and finds no significant evidence to indicate that
the transferee will not continue to pay its debts as they come due in
the future; and (ii) the transferee makes certain representations to
the transferor in the affidavit relating to disqualified organizations
discussed above. Transferors of a Residual Security should consult
with their own tax advisors for further information regarding such
transfers.
Reporting and Other Administrative Matters
For purposes of the administrative provisions of the Code, each
REMIC Trust will be treated as a partnership and the Holders of
Residual Securities will be treated as partners. The Trustee will
prepare, sign and file federal income tax returns for each REMIC
Trust, which returns are subject to audit by the IRS. Moreover,
within a reasonable time after the end of each calendar year, the
Trustee will furnish to each Holder that received a distribution
during such year a statement setting forth the portions of any such
distributions that constitute interest distributions, original issue
discount, and such other information as is required by Treasury
regulations and, with respect to Holders of Residual Securities in a
REMIC Trust, information necessary to compute the daily portions of
the taxable income (or net loss) of such REMIC Trust for each day
during such year. The Trustee will also act as the tax matters
partner for each REMIC Trust, either in its capacity as a Holder of a
Residual Security or in a fiduciary capacity. Each Holder of a
Residual Security, by the acceptance of its Residual Security, agrees
that the Trustee will act as its fiduciary in the performance of any
duties required of it in the event that it is the tax matters partner.
Each Holder of a Residual Security is required to treat items on
its return consistently with the treatment on the return of the REMIC
Trust, unless the Holder either files a statement identifying the
inconsistency or establishes that the inconsistency resulted from
incorrect information received from the REMIC Trust. The IRS may
assert a deficiency resulting from a failure to comply with the
consistency requirement without instituting an administrative
proceeding at the REMIC Trust level. The Trustee does not intend to
register any REMIC Trust as a tax shelter pursuant to section 6111 of
the Code.
Termination
In general, no special tax consequences will apply to a Holder of
a Regular Security upon the termination of a REMIC Trust by virtue of
the final payment or liquidation of the last Mortgage Loan remaining
in the Trust Estate. If a Holder of a Residual Security's adjusted
basis in its Residual Security at the time such termination occurs
exceeds the amount of cash distributed to such Holder in liquidation
of its interest, although the matter is not entirely free from doubt,
it would appear that the Holder of the Residual Security is entitled
to a loss equal to the amount of such excess.
Debt Securities
General
With respect to each series of Debt Securities, Andrews & Kurth
L.L.P., tax counsel to the Sponsor, will deliver its opinion to the
Sponsor that the Securities will be classified as debt of the Sponsor
secured by the related Mortgage Loans. Consequently, the Debt
Securities will not be treated as ownership interests in the Mortgage
Loans or
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the Trust. Holders will be required to report income received with respect
to the Debt Securities in accordance with their normal method of accounting.
For additional tax consequences relating to Debt Securities purchased at a
discount or with premium, see "Discount and Premium" below.
Special Tax Attributes
As described above, Grantor Trust Securities will possess certain
special tax attributes by virtue of their being ownership interests in
the underlying Mortgage Loans. Similarly, REMIC Securities will
possess similar attributes by virtue of the REMIC provisions of the
Code. In general, Debt Securities will not possess such special tax
attributes. Investors to whom such attributes are important should
consult their own tax advisors regarding investment in Debt
Securities.
Sale or Exchange
If a Holder of a Debt Security sells or exchanges such Security,
the Holder will recognize gain or loss equal to the difference, in
any, between the amount received and the Holder's adjusted basis in
the Security. The adjusted basis in the Security generally will equal
its initial cost, increased by any original issue discount or market
discount previously included in the seller's gross income with respect
to the Security and reduced by the payments previously received on the
Security, other than payments of qualified stated interest, and by any
amortized premium.
In general (except as described in "Discount and Premium - Market
Discount" below), except for certain financial institutions subject to
section 582(c) of the Code, any gain or loss on the sale or exchange
of a Debt Security recognized by an investor who holds the Security as
a capital asset (within the meaning of section 1221 of the Code), will
be capital gain or loss and will be long-term or short-term depending
on whether the Security has been held for more than one year except to
the extent of accrued but unrecognized interest and market discount.
Discount and Premium
A Security purchased for an amount other than its outstanding
principal amount will be subject to the rules governing original issue
discount, market discount or premium. In addition, all Grantor Trust
Strip Securities and certain Grantor Trust Fractional Interest
Securities will be treated as having original issue discount by virtue
of the coupon stripping rules in section 1286 of the Code. In very
general terms, (i) original issue discount is treated as a form of
interest and must be included in a Holder's income as it accrues
(regardless of the Holder's regular method of accounting) using a
constant yield method; (ii) market discount is treated as ordinary
income and must be included in a Holder's income as principal payments
are made on the Security (or upon a sale of a Security); and (iii) if
a Holder so elects, premium may be amortized over the life of the
Security and offset against inclusions of interest income. These tax
consequences are discussed in greater detail below.
Original Issue Discount
In general, a Security will be considered to be issued with
original issue discount equal to the excess, if any, of its "stated
redemption price at maturity" over its "issue price." The issue price
of a Security is the initial offering price to the public (excluding
bond houses and brokers) at which a substantial amount of the
Securities was sold. The issue price also includes any accrued
interest attributable to the period between the beginning of the first
Remittance Period and the Settlement Date. The stated redemption
price at maturity of a Security that has a notional principal amount
or receives principal only or that is or may be an Accrual Security is
equal to the sum of all distributions to be made under such Security.
The stated redemption price at maturity of any other Security is its
stated principal amount, plus an amount equal to the excess (if any)
of the interest payable on the first Payment Date over the interest
that accrues for the period from the Settlement Date to the first
Payment Date.
Notwithstanding the general definition, original issue discount
will be treated as zero if such discount is less than 0.25 percent of
the stated redemption price at maturity multiplied by its weighted
average life. The weighted average life of a Security is apparently
computed for this purpose as the sum, for all distributions included
in the stated redemption price at maturity of the amounts determined
by multiplying (i) the number of complete years (rounding down for
partial years) from the Settlement Date until the date on which each
such distribution is expected to be made
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under the assumption that the Mortgage Loans prepay at the rate specified in
the applicable Prospectus Supplement (the Prepayment Assumption) by (ii) a
fraction, the numerator of which is the amount of such distribution and the
denominator of which is the Security's stated redemption price at maturity.
If original issue discount is treated as zero under this rule, the actual
amount of original issue discount must be allocated to the principal
distributions on the Security and, when each such distribution is received,
gain equal to the discount allocated to such distribution will be recognized.
Section 1272(a)(6) of the Code contains special original issue
discount rules directly applicable to REMIC Securities and Debt
Securities and applicable by analogy to Grantor Trust Securities.
Investors in Grantor Trust Strip Securities should be aware that there
can be no assurance that the rules described below will be applied to
such Securities. Under these rules (described in greater detail
below), (i) the amount and rate of accrual of original issue discount
on each series of Securities will be based on (x) the Prepayment
Assumption, and (y) in the case of a Security calling for a variable
rate of interest, an assumption that the value of the index upon which
such variable rate is based remains equal to the value of that rate on
the Settlement Date, and (ii) adjustments will be made in the amount
of discount accruing in each taxable year in which the actual
prepayment rate differs from the Prepayment Assumption.
Section 1272(a)(6)(B)(iii) of the Code requires that the
prepayment assumption used to calculate original issue discount be
determined in the manner prescribed in Treasury regulations. To date,
no such regulations have been promulgated. The legislative history of
this Code provision indicates that the assumed prepayment rate must be
the rate used by the parties in pricing the particular transaction.
The Sponsor anticipates that the Prepayment Assumption for each series
of Securities will be consistent with this standard. The Sponsor
makes no representation, however, that the Mortgage Loans for a given
series will prepay at the rate reflected in the Prepayment Assumption
for that series or at any other rate. Each investor must make its own
decision as to the appropriate prepayment assumption to be used in
deciding whether or not to purchase any of the Securities.
Each Securityholder must include in gross income the sum of the
"daily portions" of original issue discount on its Security for each
day during its taxable year on which it held such Security. For this
purpose, in the case of an original Holder, the daily portions of
original issue discount will be determined as follows. A calculation
will first be made of the portion of the original issue discount that
accrued during each "accrual period." The Trustee will supply, at the
time and in the manner required by the IRS, to Securityholders,
brokers and middlemen information with respect to the original issue
discount accruing on the Securities. If so specified in the
applicable Prospectus Supplement, the Trustee will report original
issue discount based on accrual periods of one month, each beginning
on a payment date (or, in the case of the first such period, the
Settlement Date) and ending on the day before the next payment date.
Under section 1272(a)(6) of the Code, the portion of original
issue discount treated as accruing for any accrual period will equal
the excess, if any, of (i) the sum of (A) the present values of all
the distributions remaining to be made on the Security, if any, as of
the end of the accrual period and (B) the distribution made on such
Security during the accrual period of amounts included in the stated
redemption price at maturity, over (ii) the adjusted issue price of
such Security at the beginning of the accrual period. The present
value of the remaining distributions referred to in the preceding
sentence will be calculated based on (i) the yield to maturity of the
Security, calculated as of the Settlement Date, giving effect to the
Prepayment Assumption, (ii) events (including actual prepayments) that
have occurred prior to the end of the accrual period, (iii) the
Prepayment Assumption, and (iv) in the case of a Security calling for
a variable rate of interest, an assumption that the value of the index
upon which such variable rate is based remains the same as its value
on the Settlement Date over the entire life of such Security. The
adjusted issue price of a Security at any time will equal the issue
price of such Security, increased by the aggregate amount of
previously accrued original issue discount with respect to such
Security, and reduced by the amount of any distributions made on such
Security as of that time of amounts included in the stated redemption
price at maturity. The original issue discount accruing during any
accrual period will then be allocated ratably to each day during the
period to determine the daily portion of original issue discount.
In the case of Grantor Trust Strip Securities and certain REMIC
Securities, the calculation described in the preceding paragraph may
produce a negative amount of original issue discount for one or more
accrual periods. No definitive guidance has been issued regarding the
treatment of such negative amounts. The legislative history to
section 1272(a)(6) indicates that such negative amounts may be used to
offset subsequent positive accruals but may not offset prior accruals
and may not be allowed as a deduction item in a taxable year in which
negative accruals exceed positive
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accruals. Holders of such Securities should consult their own tax advisors
concerning the treatment of such negative accruals.
A subsequent purchaser of a Security that purchases such Security
at a cost less than its remaining stated redemption price at maturity
also will be required to include in gross income for each day on which
it holds such Security, the daily portion of original issue discount
with respect to such Security (but reduced, if the cost of such
Security to such purchaser exceeds its adjusted issue price, by an
amount equal to the product of (i) such daily portion and (ii) a
constant fraction, the numerator of which is such excess and the
denominator of which is the sum of the daily portions of original
issue discount on such Security for all days on or after the day of
purchase).
Market Discount
A Holder that purchases a Security at a market discount, that is,
at a purchase price less than the remaining stated redemption price at
maturity of such Security (or, in the case of a Security with original
issue discount, its adjusted issue price), will be required to
allocate each principal distribution first to accrued market discount
on the Security, and recognize ordinary income to the extent such
distribution does not exceed the aggregate amount of accrued market
discount on such Security not previously included in income. With
respect to Securities that have unaccrued original issue discount,
such market discount must be included in income in addition to any
original issue discount. A Holder that incurs or continues
indebtedness to acquire a Security at a market discount may also be
required to defer the deduction of all or a portion of the interest on
such indebtedness until the corresponding amount of market discount is
included in income. A Holder may elect to include market discount
into income currently as it accrues, in which case the interest
deferral rule described above will not apply. It must be noted,
however, that this election to include market discount currently will
apply to market discount instruments acquired by the taxpayer in the
taxable year of the election and all subsequent years. In general
terms, market discount on a Security may be treated as accruing either
(i) under a constant yield method or (ii) in proportion to remaining
accruals of original issue discount, if any, or if none, in proportion
to remaining distributions of interest on the Security, in any case
taking into account the Prepayment Assumption. The Trustee will make
available, as required by the IRS, to Holders of Securities
information necessary to compute the accrual of market discount.
Notwithstanding the above rules, market discount on a Security
will be considered to be zero if such discount is less than 0.25
percent of the remaining stated redemption price at maturity of such
Security multiplied by its weighted average remaining life. Weighted
average remaining life presumably would be calculated in a manner
similar to weighted average life, taking into account payments
(including prepayments) prior to the date of acquisition of the
Security by the subsequent purchaser. If market discount on a
Security is treated as zero under this rule, the actual amount of
market discount must be allocated to the remaining principal
distributions on the Security and, when each such distribution is
received, gain equal to the discount allocated to such distribution
will be recognized.
Securities Purchased at a Premium
A purchaser of a Security that purchases such Security at a cost
greater than its remaining stated redemption price at maturity will be
considered to have purchased such Security (a "Premium Security") at a
premium. Such a purchaser need not include in income any remaining
original issue discount and may elect, under section 171(c)(2) of the
Code, to treat such premium as "amortizable bond premium." If a
Holder makes such an election, the amount of any interest payment that
must be included in such Holder's income for each period ending on a
Payment Date will be reduced by the portion of the premium allocable
to such period based on the Premium Security's yield to maturity. The
legislative history of the Tax Reform Act of 1986 states that such
premium amortization should be made under principles analogous to
those governing the accrual of market discount (as discussed above
under "- Market Discount"). If such election is made by the Holder,
the election will also apply to all bonds the interest on which is not
excludible from gross income ("Fully Taxable Bonds") held by the
Holder at the beginning of the first taxable year to which the
election applies and to all such Fully Taxable Bonds thereafter
acquired by it, and is irrevocable without the consent of the IRS. If
such an election is not made, (i) such a Holder must include the full
amount of each interest payment in income as it accrues, and (ii) the
premium must be allocated to the principal distributions on the
Premium Security and, when each such distribution is received, a loss
equal to the premium allocated to such distribution will be
recognized. Any tax benefit from the premium not previously
recognized will be taken into account in computing gain or loss upon
the sale or disposition of the Premium Security.
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Some Securities may provide for only nominal distributions of
principal in comparison to the distributions of interest thereon. It
is possible that the IRS or the Treasury Department may issue guidance
excluding such Securities from the rules generally applicable to debt
instruments issued at a premium. In particular, it is possible that
such a Security will be treated as having original issue discount
equal to the excess of the total payments to be received thereon over
its issue price. In such event, section 1272(a)(6) of the Code would
govern the accrual of such original issue discount, but a Holder would
recognize substantially the same income in any given period as would
be recognized if an election were made under section 171(c)(2) of the
Code. Unless and until the Treasury Department or the IRS publishes
specific guidance relating to the tax treatment of such Securities,
the Trustee intends to furnish tax information to Holders of such
Securities in accordance with the rules described in the preceding
paragraph.
Special Election
For any Security acquired on or after April 4, 1994, a Holder may
elect to include in gross income all "interest" that accrues on the
Security by using a constant yield method. For purposes of the
election, the term "interest" includes stated interest, acquisition
discount, original issue discount, de minimis original issue discount,
market discount, de minimis market discount and unstated interest as
adjusted by any amortizable bond premium or acquisition premium. A
Holder should consult its own tax advisor regarding the time and
manner of making and the scope of the election and the implementation
of the constant yield method.
Backup Withholding
Distributions of interest and principal, as well as distributions
of proceeds from the sale of Securities, may be subject to the "backup
withholding tax" under section 3406 of the Code at a rate of 31
percent if recipients of such distributions fail to furnish to the
payor certain information, including their taxpayer identification
numbers, or otherwise fail to establish an exemption from such tax.
Any amounts deducted and withheld from a distribution to a recipient
would be allowed as a credit against such recipient's federal income
tax. Furthermore, certain penalties may be imposed by the IRS on a
recipient of distributions that is required to supply information but
that does not do so in the proper manner.
Foreign Investors
Grantor Trust Securities and Regular Securities
Distributions made on a Grantor Trust Security or a Regular
Security to, or on behalf of, a Holder that is not a U.S. Person
generally will be exempt from U.S. federal income and withholding
taxes. The term "U.S. Person" means a citizen or resident of the
United States, a corporation, partnership or other entity created or
organized in or under the laws of the United States or any political
subdivision thereof, or an estate that is subject to U.S. federal
income tax regardless of the source of its income or a trust if a
court within the United States is able to exercise primary supervision
over the administration of the trust and one or more United States
fiduciaries having authority to control all substantial decisions of
the trust. This exemption is applicable provided (a) the Holder is
not subject to U.S. tax as a result of a connection to the United
States other than ownership of the Security, (b) the Holder signs a
statement under penalties of perjury that certifies that such Holder
is not a U.S. Person, and provides the name and address of such
Holder, and (c) the last U.S. Person in the chain of payment to the
Holder receives such statement from such Holder or a financial
institution holding on its behalf and does not have actual knowledge
that such statement is false. Holders should be aware that the IRS
might take the position that this exemption does not apply to a Holder
that also owns 10 percent or more of the Residual Securities of any
REMIC trust, or to a Holder that is a "controlled foreign corporation"
described in section 881(c)(3)(C) of the Code.
REMIC Residual Securities
Amounts distributed to a Holder of a Residual Security that is a
not a U.S. Person generally will be treated as interest for purposes
of applying the 30 percent (or lower treaty rate) withholding tax on
income that is not effectively connected with a U.S. trade or
business. Temporary Treasury Regulations clarify that amounts not
constituting excess inclusions that are distributed on a Residual
Security to a Holder that is not a U.S. Person generally will be
exempt from U.S. federal income and withholding tax, subject to the
same conditions applicable to distributions on Grantor Trust
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Securities and Regular Securities, as described above, but only to the
extent that the obligations directly underlying the REMIC Trust that
issued the Residual Security (e.g., Mortgage Loans or regular
interests in another REMIC) were issued after July 18, 1984. In no
case will any portion of REMIC income that constitutes an excess
inclusion be entitled to any exemption from the withholding tax or a
reduced treaty rate for withholding. See "Taxation of Holders of
Residual Securities - Excess Inclusions" above.
STATE TAX CONSIDERATIONS
In addition to the federal income tax consequences described
herein under "Material Federal Income Tax Consequences," potential
investors should consider the state income tax consequences of the
acquisition, ownership and disposition of the Securities. State and
local income tax 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 tax consequences of investments in the Securities.
ERISA CONSIDERATIONS
The Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, as amended
("ERISA"), imposes certain fiduciary and prohibited transaction
restrictions on employee pension and welfare benefit plans subject to
ERISA ("ERISA Plans"). Section 4975 of the Code imposes essentially
the same prohibited transaction restrictions on tax-qualified
retirement plans described in Section 401(a) of the Code ("Qualified
Retirement Plans") and on Individual Retirement Accounts ("IRAs")
described in Section 408 of the Code (collectively, "Tax-Favored
Plans").
Certain employee benefit plans, such as governmental plans (as
defined in Section 3(32) of ERISA), are not subject to the ERISA
requirements discussed herein. Accordingly, assets of such plans may
be invested in Securities without regard to the ERISA considerations
described below, subject to the provisions of applicable federal and
state law. Any such plan that is a Qualified Retirement Plan and
exempt from taxation under Sections 401(a) and 501(a) of the Code,
however, is subject to the prohibited transaction rules set forth in
Section 503 of the Code.
Section 404 of ERISA imposes general fiduciary requirements,
including those of investment prudence and diversification and the
requirement that a Plan's investment be made in accordance with the
documents governing the Plan. In addition, Section 406 of ERISA and
Section 4975 of the Code prohibit a broad range of transactions
involving assets of ERISA Plans and Tax-Favored Plans (collectively,
"Plans") and persons ("Parties in Interest" under ERISA or
"Disqualified Persons" under the Code) who have certain specified
relationships to the Plans, unless a statutory or administrative
exemption is available. Certain Parties in Interest (or Disqualified
Persons) that participate in a prohibited transaction may be subject
to a penalty (or an excise tax) imposed pursuant to Section 502(i) of
ERISA or Section 4975 of the Code, unless a statutory or
administrative exemption is available.
Plan Asset Regulations
A Plan's investment in Securities may cause the Mortgage Loans
included in a Mortgage Pool to be deemed Plan assets. The U.S.
Department of Labor (the "DOL") has promulgated regulations (the "DOL
Regulations") concerning whether or not a Plan's assets would be
deemed to include an interest in the underlying assets of an entity
(such as a Trust Estate), for purposes of applying the general
fiduciary responsibility provisions of ERISA and the prohibited
transaction provisions of ERISA and the Code, when a Plan acquires an
"equity interest" (such as a Security) in such entity. Because of the
factual nature of certain of the rules set forth in the DOL
Regulations, an investing Plan's assets either may be deemed to
include an interest in the assets of a Trust Estate or may be deemed
merely to include its interest in the Securities. Therefore, Plans
should not acquire or hold Securities in reliance upon the
availability of any exception under the DOL Regulations.
The prohibited transaction provisions of Section 406 of ERISA and
Section 4975 of the Code may apply to a Trust Estate and cause the
Sponsor, the Servicer, any Sub-Servicer, the Trustee, the obligor
under any credit enhancement mechanism or certain affiliates thereof,
to be considered or become Parties in Interest or Disqualified Persons
with respect to an investing Plan. If so, the acquisition or holding
of Securities by or on behalf of the investing Plan could also give
rise to a prohibited transaction under ERISA and the Code, unless some
statutory or administrative
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<PAGE>
exemption is available. Securities acquired by a Plan would be assets of
that Plan. Under the DOL Regulations, the Trust Estate, including the
Mortgage Loans and the other assets held in the Trust Estate, may also be
deemed to be assets of each Plan that acquires Securities. Special caution
should be exercised before the assets of a Plan are used to acquire a
Security in such circumstances, especially if, with respect to such assets,
the Sponsor, the Servicer, any Sub-Servicer, the Trustee, the obligor under
any credit enhancement mechanism or an affiliate thereof either (i) has
investment discretion with respect to the investment of Plan assets; or (ii)
has authority or responsibility to give (or regularly gives) investment
advice with respect to Plan assets for a fee pursuant to an agreement or
understanding that such advice will serve as a primary basis for investment
decisions with respect to such assets.
Any person who has discretionary authority or control respecting
the management or disposition of Plan assets, and any person who
provides investment advice with respect to such assets for a fee (in
the manner described above), is a fiduciary of the investing Plan. If
the Mortgage Loans were to constitute Plan assets, then any party
exercising management or discretionary control regarding those assets
may be deemed to be a Plan "fiduciary," and thus subject to the
fiduciary requirements of ERISA and the prohibited transaction
provisions of ERISA and Section 4975 of the Code with respect to the
investing Plan. In addition, if the Mortgage Loans were to constitute
Plan assets, then the acquisition or holding of Securities by a Plan,
as well as the operation of the Trust Estate, may constitute or
involve a prohibited transaction under ERISA and the Code.
Prohibited Transaction Class Exemption
The DOL has issued an administrative exemption, Prohibited
Transaction Class Exemption 83-1 ("PTCE 83-1"), which generally
exempts from the prohibited transaction provisions of Section 406(a)
of ERISA, and from the excise taxes imposed by Sections 4975(a) and
(b) of the Code by reason of Section 4975(c)(1)(A) through (D) of the
Code, certain transactions involving residential mortgage pool
investment trusts relating to the purchase, sale and holding of
securities in the initial issuance of Securities and the servicing and
operation of "mortgage pools". PTCE 83-1 permits, subject to certain
general and specific conditions, transactions that might otherwise be
prohibited between Plans and Parties in Interest (or Disqualified
Persons) with respect to those Plans, related to the origination,
maintenance and termination of mortgage pools and the acquisition and
holding of certain mortgage pool pass-through Securities representing
interests in such mortgage pools by Plans, whether or not the Plan's
assets would be deemed to include an ownership interest in the
mortgage loans in the mortgage pool. PTCE 83-1 is not available for
mortgage pools that include Cooperative Loans and does not provide an
exemption for Subordinate Securities.
PTCE 83-1 defines the term "mortgage pool" as "an investment pool
the corpus of which (1) is held in trust; and (2) consists solely of
(a) interest bearing obligations secured by either first or second
mortgages or deeds of trust on one- to four-family, residential
property; (b) property that had secured obligations and that has been
acquired by foreclosure; and (c) undistributed cash." The Sponsor
expects that each pool of Mortgage Loans (other than pools including
Cooperative Loans) will be a "mortgage pool" within the meaning of
PTCE 83-1.
PTCE 83-1 defines the term "mortgage pool pass-through
certificate" as a "certificate representing a beneficial undivided
fractional interest in a mortgage pool and entitling the holder of
such certificate to pass-through payment of principal and interest
from the pooled mortgage loans, less any fees retained by the pool
sponsor." The Sponsor has been advised by Andrews & Kurth L.L.P.
that, for purposes of applying PTCE 83-1, the term "mortgage pool
pass-through certificate" would include (i) Securities representing
interests in a Trust Estate consisting of Mortgage Loans issued in a
series consisting of only a single class of Securities; and (ii)
Senior Securities representing interests in a Trust Estate consisting
of Mortgage Loans issued in a series in which there is only one class
of Senior Securities; provided that the Securities described in
clauses (i) and (ii) evidence the beneficial ownership of a specified
portion of both future interest payments and future principal payments
with respect to the Mortgage Loans.
It is not clear whether all types of Securities that may be
offered hereunder would be "mortgage pass-through certificates" for
purposes of applying PTCE 83-1, including, but not limited to, (a) a
class of Securities that evidences the beneficial ownership of
interest payments only or principal payments only, disproportionate
interest and principal payments, or nominal principal or interest
payments, such as the Strip Securities; or (b) Securities in a series
including classes of Securities that differ as to timing, sequential
order, rate or amount of distributions of principal or interest or
both, or as to which distributions of principal or interest or both on
any class may be made upon the occurrence of specified events, in
accordance with a schedule or formula, or on the basis of collections
from designated portions of
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the Mortgage Pool; or (c) Securities evidencing an interest in a Trust Estate
as to which two or more REMIC elections have been made; or (d) a series
including other types of multiple classes. Accordingly, until further
clarification by the DOL, Plans should not acquire or hold Securities
representing interests described in this paragraph in reliance upon the
availability of PTCE 83-1 without first consulting with their counsel
regarding the application of PTCE 83-1 to the proposed acquisition and
holding of such Securities.
PTCE 83-1 sets forth three general conditions that must be
satisfied for any transaction involving the purchase, sale and holding
of "mortgage pool pass-through certificates" and the servicing and
operation of the "mortgage pool" to be eligible for exemption: (1)
the pool trustee must not be an affiliate of the pool sponsor; (2) a
system of insurance or other protection for the pooled mortgage loans
and property securing such loans, and for indemnifying securityholders
against reductions in pass-through payments due to property damage or
defaults in loan payments in an amount not less than the greater of
one percent of the aggregate principal balance of all covered pooled
mortgages, or the principal balance of the largest covered mortgage,
must be maintained; and (3) the amount of the payment retained by the
pool sponsor together with other funds inuring to its benefit must be
limited to not more than adequate consideration for forming the
mortgage pools plus reasonable compensation for services provided by
the pool sponsor to the mortgage pool. PTCE 83-1 also imposes
additional specific conditions for certain types of transactions
involving an investing Plan and for situations in which the Parties in
Interest or Disqualified Persons are fiduciaries.
The Prospectus Supplement for a series will set forth whether the
Trustee in respect of that series is affiliated with the Sponsor. If
the credit enhancement mechanism for a series of Securities
constitutes a system of insurance or other protection within the
meaning of PTCE 83-1 and is maintained in an amount not less than the
greater of one percent of the aggregate principal balance of the
Mortgage Loans or the principal balance of the largest Mortgage Loan,
then the Sponsor has been advised that the second general condition
referred to above will be satisfied. The Sponsor will not receive
total compensation for forming and providing services to the Mortgage
Pools that will be more than adequate consideration. Each Plan
fiduciary responsible for making the investment decision whether to
acquire or hold Securities must make its own determination as to
whether (i) the Securities constitute "mortgage pool pass-through
certificates" for purposes of applying PTCE 83-1, (ii) the second and
third general conditions will be satisfied, and (iii) the specific
conditions, not discussed herein, of PTCE 83-1 have been satisfied.
It should be noted that in promulgating PTCE 83-1 and its
predecessor, the DOL did not have under its consideration interests in
pools of the exact nature described herein. There are other class and
individual prohibited transaction exemptions issued by the DOL that
could apply to a Plan's acquisition or holding of Securities. There
can be no assurance that any of those exemptions will apply with
respect to any particular Plan that acquires or holds Securities or,
even if all of the conditions specified therein were satisfied, that
the exemption would apply to all transactions involving the Trust
Estate. The applicable Prospectus Supplement under "ERISA
Considerations" may contain additional information regarding the
application of PTCE 83-1, or other prohibited transaction exemptions
that may be available, with respect to the series offered thereby.
Tax Exempt Investors
A Plan that is exempt from federal income taxation pursuant to
Section 501 of the Code (a "Tax Exempt Investor") nonetheless will be
subject to federal income taxation to the extent that its income is
UBTI within the meaning of Section 512 of the Code. All "excess
inclusions" of a REMIC allocated to a REMIC Residual Security held by
a Tax Exempt Investor will be considered UBTI and thus will be subject
to federal income tax. See "Material Federal Income Tax Consequences
- - Taxation of Holders of Residual Securities - Excess Inclusions"
herein.
Consultation with Counsel
Any Plan fiduciary that proposes to cause a Plan to acquire or
hold Securities should consult with its counsel with respect to the
potential applicability of the fiduciary responsibility provisions of
ERISA and the prohibited transaction provisions of ERISA and the Code
to the proposed investment and the availability of PTCE 83-1 or any
other prohibited transaction exemption.
83
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LEGAL INVESTMENT MATTERS
SMMEA
Unless otherwise specified in the related Prospectus Supplement,
the Securities will not constitute "mortgage related securities" for
purposes of SMMEA. Accordingly, many institutions with legal
authority to invest in comparably rated securities based on first
mortgage loans or deeds of trust may not be legally authorized to
invest in the Securities. No representation is made herein as to
whether the Securities will constitute legal investments for any
entity under any applicable statue, law, rule, regulation or order.
Prospective purchasers are urged to consult with their counsel
concerning the status of the Securities as legal investments for such
purchasers prior to investing in any class of Securities.
FFIEC Policy Statement
The Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System, the Federal
Deposit Insurance Corporation, the Comptroller of the Currency and the
Office of Thrift Supervision have adopted the Federal Financial
Institutions Examination Council's Supervisory Policy Statement on
Certificates Activities (the "Policy Statement"). Although the
National Credit Union Administration has not yet adopted the Policy
Statement, it has adopted other regulations affecting mortgage-backed
securities and is expected to consider adoption of the Policy
Statement. The Policy Statement, among other things, places
responsibility on a depository institution to develop and monitor
appropriate policies and strategies regarding the investment, sale and
trading of securities and restricts an institution's ability to engage
in certain types of transactions.
The Policy Statement provides that a depository institution must
ascertain and document prior to purchase and no less frequently than
annually thereafter that a non-high-risk mortgage security held for
investment remains outside the high-risk category. If an institution
is unable to make these determinations through internal analysis, it
must use information derived from a source that is independent of the
party from whom the product is being purchased. The institution is
responsible for ensuring that the assumptions underlying the analysis
and resulting calculations are reasonable. Reliance on analyses and
documentation from a securities dealer or other outside party without
internal analyses by the institution is unacceptable.
A "high-risk mortgage security" is not suitable as an investment
portfolio holding for a depository institution. A high-risk mortgage
security must be reported in the trading account at market value or as
an asset held for sale at the lower of cost or market value and
generally may only be acquired to reduce an institution's interest
rate risk. However, an institution with strong capital and earnings
and adequate liquidity that has a closely supervised trading
department is not precluded from acquiring high-risk mortgage
securities for trading purposes.
The Policy Statement and any applicable modifications or
supplements thereto should be reviewed prior to the purchase of any
Securities by a depository institution. The summary of the Policy
Statement contained herein does not purport to be complete and should
not be relied upon for purposes of making any regulatory
determinations. In addition, any regulator may adopt modifications or
supplements to the Policy Statement or additional restrictions on the
purchase of mortgage-backed or other securities. Investors are urged
to consult their own legal advisors prior to making any determinations
with respect to the Policy Statement or other regulatory requirements.
General
There may be other restrictions on the ability of certain
investors, including depository institutions, either to purchase
Securities, to purchase Securities representing more than a specified
percentage of the investor's assets, or to purchase certain types of
Securities, such as residual interests or stripped mortgage-backed
securities. Investors should consult their own legal advisors in
determining whether and to what extent the Securities constitute legal
investments for such investors and comply with any other applicable
requirements.
84
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USE OF PROCEEDS
The net proceeds to be received from the sale of Securities will
be applied by the Sponsor to finance the purchase of, or to repay
short-term loans incurred to finance the purchase of, the Mortgage
Loans underlying the Securities. The Sponsor expects that it will
make additional sales of securities similar to the Securities from
time to time, but the timing and amount of any such additional
offerings will be dependent upon a number of factors, including the
volume of mortgage loans purchased by the Sponsor, prevailing interest
rates, availability of funds and general market conditions.
METHODS OF DISTRIBUTION
The Securities offered hereby and by the related Prospectus
Supplement will be offered in series through one or more of the
methods described below. The Prospectus Supplement prepared for each
series will describe the method of offering being utilized for that
series and will state the public offering or purchase price of such
series and the net proceeds to the Sponsor from such sale.
The Sponsor intends that Securities will be offered through the
following methods from time to time and that offerings may be made
concurrently through more than one of these methods or that an
offering of a particular series of Securities may be made through a
combination of two or more of these methods. Such methods are as
follows:
(i) By negotiated firm commitment or best efforts
underwriting and public re-offering by underwriters
(which may include affiliates of the Sponsor);
(ii) By placements by the Sponsor with institutional
investors through dealers; and
(iii) By direct placements by the Sponsor with
institutional investors.
If underwriters are used in a sale of any Securities (other than
in connection with an underwriting on a best efforts basis), such
Securities will be acquired by the underwriters for their own account
and may be resold from time to time in one or more transactions,
including negotiated transactions, at fixed public offering prices or
at varying prices to be determined at the time of sale or at the time
of commitment therefor. Such underwriters may be broker-dealers
affiliated with the Sponsor whose identities and relationships to the
Sponsor will be as set forth in the related Prospectus Supplement.
The managing underwriter or underwriters with respect to the offer and
sale of a particular series of Securities will be set forth on the
cover of the Prospectus Supplement relating to such series and the
members of the underwriting syndicate, if any, will be named in such
Prospectus Supplement.
In connection with the sale of the Securities, underwriters may
receive compensation from the Sponsor or from purchasers of the
Securities in the form of discounts, concessions or commissions.
Underwriters and dealers participating in the distribution of the
Securities may be deemed to be underwriters in connection with such
Securities, and any discounts or commissions received by them from the
Sponsor and any profit on the resale of Securities by them may be
deemed to be underwriting discounts and commissions under the
Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "Securities Act"). The
Prospectus Supplement will describe any such compensation paid by the
Sponsor.
It is anticipated that the underwriting agreement pertaining to
the sale of any series of Securities will provide that the obligations
of the underwriters will be subject to certain conditions precedent,
that the underwriters will be obligated to purchase all such
Securities if any are purchased (other than in connection with an
underwriting on a best efforts basis) and that, in limited
circumstances, the Sponsor will indemnify the several underwriters and
the underwriters will indemnify the Sponsor against certain civil
liabilities, including liabilities under the Securities Act or will
contribute to payments required to be made in respect thereof.
Insofar as indemnification for liabilities arising under the
Securities Act may be permitted to directors, officers and controlling
persons of the underwriters as specified above or otherwise, the
Sponsor has been informed that in the opinion of the Commission such
indemnification is against public policy as expressed in the
Securities Act and is, therefore, unenforceable.
85
<PAGE>
The Prospectus Supplement with respect to any series offered by
placements through dealers will contain information regarding the
nature of such offering and any agreements to be entered into between
the Sponsor and purchasers of Securities of such series.
The Sponsor anticipates that the Securities offered hereby will
be sold primarily to institutional investors or be placed with
individuals by the Sponsor or an affiliate of the Sponsor. Purchasers
of 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 in connection with re-offers and
sales by them of Securities. Securityholders should consult with
their legal advisors in this regard prior to any such re-offer or
sale.
LEGAL MATTERS
Certain legal matters will be passed upon for the Sponsor and the
Servicer by Karen S. Crawford, Esq., in-house Counsel to the Sponsor
and the Servicer. Certain legal matters regarding the issuance and
the federal income tax treatment of the Securities will be passed upon
by Andrews & Kurth L.L.P., Washington, D.C.
FINANCIAL INFORMATION
The Sponsor has determined that its financial statements are not
material to the offering made hereby. However, any prospective
purchaser who desires to review financial information concerning the
Sponsor will be provided, with a copy of the most recent financial
statements of the Sponsor, upon request directed to the Sponsor at:
EquiVantage Acceptance Corp.
13111 Northwest Freeway
Suite 312
Houston, Texas 77040
Attention: Chief Financial Officer
Telephone: (713) 895-1900
Telecopier: (713) 895-3837
A Prospectus Supplement and the related Form 8-K (which shall be
incorporated by reference to this Prospectus with respect to the
series of Securities referred to in such Prospectus Supplement) may
contain the financial statements of the related Credit Enhancer, if
any.
RATING
It is a condition to the issuance of each class of Securities
offered hereby that they shall have been rated in one of the four
highest rating categories by the related Rating Agencies.
Ratings on mortgage pass-through certificates address the
likelihood of receipt by Securityholders 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 mortgage loans and the credit quality of
the guarantor, if any. Ratings on mortgage pass-through certificates
do not represent any assessment of the likelihood of principal
prepayments by mortgagors 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 pass-through certificates in extreme
cases might fail to recoup their underlying 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.
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INDEX OF PRINCIPAL DEFINITIONS
Page
Accrual
Securities.........................................................9,33
Affiliated Originators................................................6
APR..................................................................23
ARM Loans............................................................20
Balloon Amount.......................................................26
Balloon Loans.....................................................18,26
Bankruptcy Bond......................................................50
Bankruptcy Loss......................................................49
Bankruptcy Loss Amount...............................................48
Book-Entry Securities................................................35
Bulk Acquisitions....................................................11
Buydown Account......................................................23
Buydown Agreement....................................................41
Buydown Funds........................................................23
Buydown Mortgage Loans...............................................23
Buydown Period.......................................................23
Cede.................................................................15
CERCLA...............................................................46
Certificates..........................................................6
Closing Date.........................................................37
CLTV.................................................................24
Code.................................................................69
Combined Loan-to-Value Ratio.........................................24
Commission..........................................................3,8
Contract Sub-Servicers................................................31
Convertible Mortgage Loan.............................................27
Cooperative Loans......................................................6
Cooperative Notes.....................................................25
Credit Enhancer.......................................................21
Cut-Off Date..........................................................23
Debt Securities....................................................14,69
Defaulted Mortgage Loss...............................................49
Deferred Interest.....................................................17
Deficient Valuation...................................................50
Definitive Securities.................................................35
Deleted Mortgage Loan.................................................30
Delinquency Advances..................................................43
Delinquent............................................................44
Detailed Description..................................................22
Determination Date....................................................43
Direct Participants................................................21,35
Disqualified Persons..................................................81
Distribution Account..................................................39
DOL...................................................................81
DOL Regulations.......................................................81
DTC...................................................................15
Due Date..............................................................38
Due Period.........................................................10,34
Eligible Account......................................................39
EPA...................................................................66
Equity Securities...................................................8,33
87
<PAGE>
ERISA..............................................................14,81
ERISA Plans...........................................................81
Exchange Act........................................................3,15
Extraordinary Losses..................................................49
Fannie Mae............................................................18
FDIC..................................................................39
FHLMC.................................................................18
Financial Guaranty Insurance Policy...................................51
Financial Guaranty Insurer............................................51
Fixed-Income Securities.............................................8,33
FNMA..................................................................18
Forward Purchase Agreement.........................................12,37
Fraud Loss............................................................49
Fraud Loss Amount.....................................................48
Freddie Mac...........................................................18
fully taxable bonds...................................................79
Garn-St Germain Act...................................................67
Grantor Trust Estate..................................................69
Grantor Trust Fractional Interest Security............................69
Grantor Trust Securities...........................................14,69
Grantor Trust Strip Security..........................................69
Indenture..............................................................7
Indenture Trustee......................................................7
Index.................................................................26
Indirect Participants..............................................21,35
Insurance Paying Agent................................................51
Insurance Proceeds....................................................39
Insured Payment.......................................................51
Interest Rate.......................................................8,33
Investment Company Act................................................11
IRAs..................................................................81
IRS...................................................................71
Junior Lien Loans.....................................................17
Letter of Credit......................................................49
Letter of Credit Bank.................................................49
Liquidated Mortgage Loan..............................................18
Liquidation Proceeds..................................................39
Loan Purchase Price...................................................30
Loan-to-Value Ratio...................................................28
lockout periods.......................................................23
LTV...................................................................28
Minimum Required Rating...............................................40
Modified Loans........................................................26
monthly pay...........................................................22
Mortgage Asset Schedule...............................................22
Mortgage Assets.......................................................22
Mortgage Loans....................................................1,6,25
Mortgage Notes........................................................25
Mortgage Pool........................................................1,6
Mortgage Pool Insurance Policy........................................50
Mortgage Rate.........................................................22
Mortgaged Properties............................................11,22,25
Mortgages..........................................................11,25
Mortgagor.............................................................18
Net Liquidation Proceeds..............................................39
88
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Net Mortgage Rate.....................................................59
Note Margin...........................................................26
Notes..................................................................7
Originator's Retained Yield...........................................25
Originators............................................................6
Participants..........................................................35
Parties in Interest...................................................81
Partnership Interests.................................................14
Pass-Through Rate.....................................................42
Paying Agent..........................................................42
Payment Dates.......................................................9,34
Percentage Interest...................................................42
Permitted Investments.................................................39
Physical Certificates.................................................35
Plan...............................................................14,81
Policy Statement......................................................84
Pool Factor...........................................................45
Pool Insurer..........................................................41
Pooling and Servicing Agreement........................................7
Pre-Funding Account................................................12,37
Premium Security......................................................79
Principal Prepayments.................................................38
PTCE 83-1.............................................................82
Purchase Obligation...................................................16
Qualified Replacement Mortgage........................................30
Qualified Retirement Plans............................................81
Rating Agencies.......................................................15
Realized Loss.........................................................48
Record Date.....................................................10,34,42
Redemption Period.....................................................18
Regular Security............................................ ..........71
Relief Act..........................................................21,68
REMIC................................................................2,69
REMIC Regular Securities...............................................14
REMIC Regulations......................................................71
REMIC Residual Securities..............................................14
REMIC Securities.......................................................69
REMIC Trust............................................................71
Remittance Date........................................................40
Remittance Period...................................................10,34
REO Property...........................................................46
Reserve Fund...........................................................51
Residual Security......................................................71
SBJPA..................................................................73
Securities..............................................................1
Securities Act.........................................................85
Security Registrar.....................................................35
Securityholders.........................................................1
Senior Securities....................................................9,33
Servicer................................................................2
Servicing Advance...................................................44,47
Servicing Agreement.....................................................7
Settlement Date........................................................71
SMMEA..................................................................14
Special Hazard Amount..................................................48
89
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Special Hazard Insurance Policy........................................50
Special Hazard Insurer.................................................50
Special Hazard Loss....................................................49
Sponsor.................................................................1
Statistic Calculation Date.............................................23
Strip Securities.....................................................8,33
Sub-Servicer(s).........................................................2
Sub-Servicing Account..................................................41
Sub-Servicing Agreement................................................31
Subordinate Amount.....................................................48
Subordinate Securities...............................................9,33
Tax Exempt Investor....................................................83
Tax-Favored Plans......................................................81
Thrift institutions....................................................73
Title V................................................................68
Title VIII.............................................................68
Trust.................................................................1,6
Trust Agreement.........................................................7
Trust Estate..........................................................1,7
Trustee.................................................................6
U.S. Person............................................................80
UCC....................................................................65
Unaffiliated Originators................................................6
90
<PAGE>
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
NO DEALER, SALESPERSON OR ANY OTHER PERSON HAS BEEN AUTHORIZED TO GIVE ANY
INFORMATION OR TO MAKE ANY REPRESENTATIONS NOT CONTAINED IN THIS PROSPECTUS
SUPPLEMENT OR THE PROSPECTUS AND, IF GIVEN OR MADE, SUCH INFORMATION OR
REPRESENTATION MUST NOT BE RELIED UPON AS HAVING BEEN AUTHORIZED BY THE SPONSOR
OR BY THE UNDERWRITERS. THIS PROSPECTUS SUPPLEMENT AND THE PROSPECTUS DO 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 IN SUCH JURISDICTION. NEITHER THE DELIVERY OF THIS
PROSPECTUS SUPPLEMENT OR PROSPECTUS NOR ANY SALE MADE HEREUNDER SHALL, UNDER ANY
CIRCUMSTANCES, CREATE ANY IMPLICATION THAT THE INFORMATION HEREIN IS CORRECT AS
OF ANY TIME SUBSEQUENT TO THE DATE HEREOF OR THAT THERE HAS BEEN NO CHANGE IN
THE AFFAIRS OF THE SPONSOR, THE SERVICER OR THE CERTIFICATE INSURER SINCE SUCH
DATE.
----------------------------------
TABLE OF CONTENTS
PROSPECTUS SUPPLEMENT
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
PAGE
-----
<S> <C>
Available Information................................................. S-1
Reports to the Certificate Holders.................................... S-1
Summary of Prospectus Supplement...................................... S-3
Risk Factors.......................................................... S-17
Sponsor's Mortgage Loan Program....................................... S-19
The Mortgage Loan Groups.............................................. S-21
Prepayment and Yield Considerations................................... S-38
Use of Proceeds....................................................... S-47
The Sponsor, The Servicer and Sub-Servicers........................... S-47
The Originators....................................................... S-49
Description of the Certificates....................................... S-50
The Certificate Insurance Policy...................................... S-60
The Certificate Insurer............................................... S-61
The Pooling and Servicing Agreement................................... S-63
Material Federal Income Tax Consequences.............................. S-65
ERISA Considerations.................................................. S-66
Ratings............................................................... S-68
Legal Investment Considerations....................................... S-68
Underwriting.......................................................... S-68
Experts............................................................... S-69
Certain Legal Matters................................................. S-69
Index of Principal Terms.............................................. S-70
Annex I Global Clearance, Settlement and Tax Documentation
Procedures........................................................... I-1
Appendix A -- Audited Financial Statements (Certificate Insurer)...... A-1
Appendix B -- Unaudited Financial Statements (Certificate Insurer).... B-1
PROSPECTUS
Prospectus Supplement................................................. 3
Available Information................................................. 3
Incorporation of Certain Documents by Reference....................... 3
Reports to Securityholders............................................ 4
Summary of Prospectus................................................. 6
Risk Factors.......................................................... 16
The Trusts............................................................ 22
The Mortgage Pools.................................................... 25
Mortgage Loan Program................................................. 27
Description of the Securities......................................... 33
Subordination......................................................... 47
Description of Credit Enhancement..................................... 49
Hazard Insurance; Claims Thereunder................................... 53
The Sponsor........................................................... 54
The Servicer.......................................................... 54
The Pooling and Servicing Agreement................................... 55
Yield Considerations.................................................. 58
Maturity and Prepayment Considerations................................ 60
Certain Legal Aspects of Mortgage Loans and Related Matters........... 62
Material Federal Income Tax Consequences.............................. 69
State Tax Considerations.............................................. 81
ERISA Considerations.................................................. 81
Legal Investment Matters.............................................. 84
Use of Proceeds....................................................... 85
Methods of Distribution............................................... 85
Legal Matters......................................................... 86
Financial Information................................................. 86
Rating................................................................ 86
Index of Principal Definitions........................................ 87
</TABLE>
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UNTIL 90 DAYS AFTER THE DATE OF THIS PROSPECTUS SUPPLEMENT, ALL DEALERS
EFFECTING TRANSACTIONS IN THE RELATED SECURITIES, WHETHER OR NOT PARTICIPATING
IN THE DISTRIBUTION THEREOF, MAY BE REQUIRED TO DELIVER THIS PROSPECTUS AND THE
RELATED PROSPECTUS SUPPLEMENT. 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.
[EQUIVANTAGE LOGO]
$100,000,000
EQUIVANTAGE HOME EQUITY LOAN TRUST 1997-4
$29,380,000
CLASS A-1 ADJUSTABLE RATE CERTIFICATES
$21,000,000
CLASS A-2 FIXED RATE CERTIFICATES
6.640% PASS-THROUGH RATE
$14,000,000
CLASS A-3 FIXED RATE CERTIFICATES
7.045% PASS-THROUGH RATE
$7,000,000
CLASS A-4 FIXED RATE CERTIFICATES
6.705% PASS-THROUGH RATE
$28,620,000
CLASS A-5 ADJUSTABLE RATE CERTIFICATES
EQUIVANTAGE ACCEPTANCE CORP.
SPONSOR OF THE TRUST
EQUIVANTAGE INC.
SERVICER
------------------------
PROSPECTUS SUPPLEMENT
------------------------
[FGIC LOGO]
PRUDENTIAL SECURITIES INCORPORATED
FIRST UNION CAPITAL MARKETS CORP.
November 25, 1997
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