Wednesday, May 26, 2010

Gov. HAFA Short Sale Program

My Comment: I have been to a couple of special trainings on this and have meant to post my notes here, but our referral partner in Las Vegas, Billy O'Keefe, has saved me the trouble. As he points out, it is not all that easy, but it should be better than it has been. The biggest possible problem is if the lenders set the sales price too high above the real market. We shall see about that. 
 
Here is his very good summary.
 
 
As many of you have heard there is a government program that has taken effect on April 5th, 2010 called HAFA (Home Affordable Foreclosure Alternatives) that is suppose to help expedite the short sale process by offering incentives to servicers and investors on loans, as well as borrowers, in the hopes that is cooperative effort with shorten the recovery time of the housing market.  I am going to provide a quick overview below as to what the program entails and how to qualify.  Keep in mind that you have likely heard ads on the radio or seen them on tv or in magazines, making it seems like this process is a breeze.  Don't be fooled!  It is potentially easier than it has been but there are still a lot of hoops to jump through to qualify!  I have been specializing in SHORT SALES for almost 2 years and have seen a lot.  If you have any questions or know someone that wants to know their options please have them call me asap because time is of the essence especially if they are late on their mortgage payment.
 
HAFA Overview
- takes place 4/5/10
- helps by pre-approving short sales and releasing borrowers from future liability of the debt
- pertains only to first mortgages!
- must go through HAMP (Making Home Affordable) program first
- financial incentives provided to servicers, investors, and homeowners who qualify
- uses standardized processes, documents, and timeframes (however there are no concequences to servicers that don't comply)
- investors must waive right to seek deficiency judgements
 
HAFA Requirements (for eligibility)
- must be borrower's principle residence
- loan must be a 1st mortgage
- loan must be originated before January 1st, 2009
- mortgage is delinquent or default is imminent
- current unpaid principle balance is equal to or less than $729,750
- borrower's total monthly mortgage payment exceeds 31% of borrower's gross income
 
Incentives (subject to change)
- borrowers qualify for $3,000 in relocation assistance
- servicers qualify for $1,500 for administration and processing fees (may be increased due to recent changes)
- investors qualify for $2,000 for subordinate lien holder payoff (may be increased due to recent changes)
 
 

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