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New Foreclosure Alternative Program May Offer Relief to Homeowners

Apr 21, 2010 | Buying Real Estate, Legislation, Realtors, Selling Real Estate, Short Sales

The Home Affordable Foreclosure Alternatives (HAFA) program is a part of the Home Affordable Modification Program (HAMP), and offers a streamlined process for short sales and deeds-in-lieu of foreclosure. HAFA will allow homeowners to discharge their first mortgage debt without the credit-destroying step of foreclosure. The program also offers a $1,000 incentive to banks to permit short sales and a $1,500 bonus to homeowners for the purpose of relocation.
The HAFA program has eligibility guidelines:

 • The property must be the owner’s principal residence

• The first mortgage must have originated before 2009

• The unpaid principal must be less than $729,750 for a single-family dwelling

• The borrower’s monthly payment must exceed 31% of their gross income

• The mortgage must either be delinquent or a default be reasonably foreseeable.

If borrowers meet the program requirements they will receive pre-approved short sale terms from their lender, which will include a minimum acceptable proceeds figure for the sale. The homeowner will be required to list the property for sale with a Realtor® and close within 120 day, extensions may be permitted up to a total of 12 months.

Based on the short sale agreement with the lender, HAFA requires property owners to be fully released from any future liability on their first mortgage debt, and in some cases, subordinate debts, so that when the home is sold, the borrower is free and clear of their mortgage.

The program ends on December 31, 2012. HAFA does not apply to FHA or VA loans. There is an extensive amount of paperwork to be completed to participate in the program, Homeowners wishing to take advantage of the relief offered are encouraged to work with a experienced Realtor®.