On Tuesday, June 1, Fannie Mae issued Servicing Guide Announcement SVC-2010-07, introducing Fannie Mae's Home Affordable Foreclosure Alternatives (HAFA) Program. It, like Treasury's Home Affordable Foreclosure Alternatives Program (as described in Supplemental Directive 09-09 Revised), is designed to mitigate the impact of foreclosures on borrowers who are eligible for a loan modification under the Home Affordable Modification Program (HAMP) but ultimately are unsuccessful in obtaining one.
Program Features:
The Fannie Mae Home Affordable Foreclosure Alternatives Program, which becomes effective August 1, 2010, simplifies and streamlines the use of short or "preforeclosure" sale and deed-in-lieu of foreclosure (DIL) options on HAMP-eligible loans by incorporating the following unique features:
- Complements HAMP by providing alternatives for borrowers who are HAMP eligible (including borrowers facing imminent default);
- Allows the borrower to receive pre-approved short sale terms prior to the property listing;
- Prohibits the servicer from requiring, as a condition of approving the short sale, a reduction in the real estate commission agreed upon in the listing agreement;
- Releases the successful HAFA borrower from future liability for the debt;
- Uses standard processes, documents, and timeframes;
- Provides financial incentives to borrowers, servicers and subordinate lienholders; and
- Utilizes verified borrower financial and hardship information collected in conjunction with HAMP, eliminating the need for additional eligibility analysis.
