AVOIDING FORECLOSURE – YOU HAVE OPTIONS
Chances are, you or someone you know in The Seattle or Greater Seattle Area is facing the possibility of foreclosure. But you need to understand that you are not alone.
Today, nearly 1 out of every 6 homeowners in America is behind on mortgage payments. Foreclosure can be avoided, your credit can be saved, and your financial future can be salvaged.
Here are a few of those options:
Home Affordable Refinancing
Many homeowners pay their mortgages on time but are not able to refinance to take advantage of today’s lower mortgage rates perhaps due to a decrease in the value of their home. A Home Affordable Refinance will help borrowers whose loans are held by Fannie Mae or Freddie Mac refinance into a more affordable mortgage.
Home Affordable Modification
Many homeowners are struggling to make their monthly mortgage payments perhaps because their interest rate has increased or they have less income. A Home Affordable Modification will provide them with mortgage payments they can afford.
Details of HAFA
HAFA was introduced to simplify and streamline the short sale process. HAFA accomplishes this in the following ways:
- Compliments HAMP by providing viable alternatives for borrowers who are HAMP-eligible
- Uses standard processes, documents and timeframes
- Provides financial incentives to borrowers, servicers and investors
- Requires that borrowers be fully released from future liability for the debt
- Utilizes borrower financial and hardship information collected in conjunction with HAMP, eliminating the need for additional eligibility analysis
- 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 agreement1
HAFA provides financial incentives as follows:
- Homeowners qualify for $3,000 (updated March 26, 2010; was previously $1,500) in Borrower Relocation Assistance after a short sale or deed-in-lieu has been completed (may classify as taxable income in some cases2)
- Financial incentives for servicers participating in the program include up to $1,500 (updated March 26, 2010; was previously $1,000) servicing bonus upon completion of a short sale or deed-in-lieu
- Financial incentives for investors include up to $2,000 (updated March 26, 2010; was previously $1,000) for those who allow a total of up to $6,000 in short sale proceeds to be distributed to subordinate lien holders. This reimbursement will be earned on a one-for-three matching basis3
- Lenders pay all servicing fees — homeowners have no out-of-pocket expenses
