What is an ALTA Statement and How Do You Read One?

You're days away from closing your deal, and you receive an ALTA statement from the settlement company with A LOT of numbers on it. And where has the old HUD -1 form gone? Here's how to make sense of the new ALTA....The ALTA settlement statement is designed to provide uniformity within the Real Estate marketplace. Think of the ALTA statement as a receipt for the transaction or as a balance sheet of all the transaction costs and credits. While the ALTA can be used alongside a closing disclosure, it is not meant to replace it. Before you begin to scratch your head in confusion, don't worry; we will explain the differences between the sellers disclosure, closing disclosure (TRID), ALTA statement, and the 1986 HUD-1 forms.

What Does The ALTA Settlement Statement Show?
The ALTA settlement statement is essentially an itemized list of all of the fees or charges that the buyer and seller will pay during the settlement portion of a Real Estate transaction. The form also clearly spells out important transactional dates such as tax payoff, recording, and disbursement dates. Additional information that is listed within the form includes loan amount, adjustments, title charges, transfer charges, and the property sales price.

What Are The Differences Between The Sellers, Closing, ALTA, and 1986 HUD-1 Forms?
Closing forms for a Real Estate transaction can be a bit confusing for first time buyers. While each of the following forms might not be used during your specific Real Estate transaction, it is important to understand their differences.

• Sellers Disclosure Form
  • Has separate forms for sellers and buyers. The forms are separate so that the seller doesn't have access to sensitive buyer information.
  • Contains a transaction section, which is similar to the old HUD-1 form and clearly denotes the transaction history.
  • Within the closing cost section, the seller's contributions will be listed, as well as any loan information or closing costs.
• Closing Disclosure (TRID)
  • A five page form that details which mortgage loan was selected by the seller.
  • Page one includes information on the loan terms and projected payments.
  • Page two lists closing cost details.
  • Page three is a summary of the transactional history and the cash needed to close.
  • Page four details additional information about your loan.
  • Page five provides the disclosure and contact information, as well as loan calculations.
  • Note: this document is required for government backed loans.
• ALTA Settlement Statement
  • Clear, easy to understand form with seller information on the left and buyer information on the right.
  • Each line of the first page of the ALTA settlement statement will show the credit or charge for the buyer or seller.
  • Provides sign-off portion that allows the closing to be conducted and the funds to be clearly understood before they are appropriately distributed.
  • The form includes a description for each line item, so that a "bottom line" number can be easily identified.
• 1986 HUD-1 Form
  • Standard, government-issued form, used by the settlement (closing) agent.
  • Provides both the seller and the buyer (borrower) with an itemized list of incoming and outgoing funds.
  • Typically used in reverse mortgage or refinance transactions.
  • The left-hand column details the borrower's charges, while the right side lists the seller's charges.
  • Borrower charges could include: mortgage fees, prepaid interest cost, property taxes, closing agent's fees, homeowner insurance, and the title insurance.
  • The seller's charges could include: Real Estate commission fees, or any contractually agreed-upon fees that are owed to the borrower.

What Are The Benefits Of Using The ALTA Settlement Statement?

The primary goal of the ALTA settlement statement is to provide a clear breakdown of the costs to either the buyer or the seller during the closing transaction.