(6) “Mediation coordinator” means a person employed by a Rhode Island-based, HUD-approved
counseling agency designated to serve as the unbiased, impartial, and independent
coordinator and facilitator of the mediation conference, with no authority to impose
a solution or otherwise act as a consumer advocate, provided that such person possesses
the experience and qualifications established by the department.
(7) “Mortgage” means an individual consumer first-lien mortgage on any owner-occupied,
one (1)- to four (4)-unit residential property that serves as the mortgagor’s primary
residence.
(8) “Mortgagee” means the holder of a mortgage, or its agent or employee, including a
mortgage servicer acting on behalf of a mortgagee.
(9) “Mortgagor” means the person who has signed a mortgage in order to secure a debt or
other duty, or the heir or devisee of such person provided that:
(i) The heir or devisee occupies the property as his or her primary residence; and
(ii) The heir or devisee has record title to the property, or a representative of the estate
of the mortgagor has been appointed with authority to participate in a mediation conference.
(d) The mortgagee shall, prior to initiation of foreclosure of real estate pursuant to
§ 34-27-4(b), provide to the mortgagor written notice at the address of the real estate and, if
different, at the address designated by the mortgagor by written notice to the mortgagee
as the mortgagor’s address for receipt of notices, that the mortgagee may not foreclose
on the mortgaged property without first participating in a mediation conference. Notice
addressed and delivered as provided in this section shall be effective with respect
to the mortgagor and any heir or devisee of the mortgagor.