Happy New Year...

2009 has wound to a close and I am hopeful 2010 will bring some economic change. The latest modification plan sounds positive for homeowners facing loss. The changes HAFA is implementimg make modifications and short sales a little more feasible for homeowners still struggling in today's economy. The following is an excerpt from NAR's website (National Association of Relators).

Servicers participating in HAMP are also required to comply with HAFA. A list of servicers participating in the program is available at www.MakingHomeAffordable.gov.

•• Complements HAMP by providing a viable alternative for borrowers (the current homeowners) who are HAMP eligible but nevertheless unable to keep their home.
•• Uses borrower financial and hardship information already collected in connection with consideration of a loan modification.
•• Allows borrowers to receive pre-approved short sales terms before listing the property (including the minimum acceptable net proceeds).
•• Prohibits the servicers from requiring a reduction in the real estate commission agreed upon in the listing agreement (up to 6 percent).
•• Requires borrowers to be fully released from future liability for the first mortgage debt (no cash contribution, promissory note, or deficiency judgment is allowed).
•• Uses standard processes, documents, and timeframes/deadlines.
•• Provides financial incentives: $1,500 for borrower relocation assistance; $1,000 for servicers to cover administrative and processing costs; and up to $1,000 for investors for allowing a total of up to $3,000 in short sale proceeds to be distributed to subordinate lien holders (on a one-for-three matching basis).

The program does not take effect until April 5, 2010, but servicers may implement it before then if they meet certain requirements. The program sunsets on December 31, 2012.