The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau has outlined rules under consideration that would changethe way institutions charge mortgage points and fees.

The agency expects to propose the rules this summer and finalizethem by January 2013.

Proposals outlined this week include requiring an interest ratereduction when borrowers pay discount points, which would include areduction minimum. Lenders would also have to offer ano-discount-point loan option, so consumers could better comparecompeting offers. And, the CFPB would ban origination fees thatvary with the size of the loan. Instead, creditors could onlycharge a flat origination fee.

“Mortgages today often come with so many different types of feesand points that it can be hard to compare offers,” CFPB DirectorRichard Cordray said in a release. “We want to bring greatertransparency to the market so consumers can clearly see theiroptions and choose the loan that is right for them.”

In addition to regulating origination points and fees, the CFPBis also considering tackling mortgage loan originators'qualifications and compensation. Loan officers would be consideredoriginators under the rule, and all types of loan originators wouldhave to meet current standards required of originators that work atinstitutions, brokerages and non-profits.

The CFPB is additionally considering reaffirming theFederal Reserve Board's rule that bans loan originators from directing consumers into higher priced loansbecause they could earn more money, and basing loan originatorcompensation on interest rates or certain other loan terms.

The bureau said it plans to engage a Small Business Review Panelthat will meet with small financial services representatives toprovide an overview of the proposals under consideration and a listof questions for input. The bureau said the panel will issue areport summarizing this feedback, which the CFPB will consider whenformulating the proposed rules.