Great News for homeowners who have a mortgage and need the banks to cooperate with them in doing a short sale.

As of April 5, 2010, the government is doubling the incentives for banks to cooperate in short sales; they are now going to receive $3000 to bank participants on the first loan, and up to $6000 on the second loan.

They are also going to double the incentive to borrowers / sellers participating in short sales to assist in relocating.

* NOT every Short Sale will be a HAFA Guidelines Short Sale. Remember, these are guidelines not laws.

* A borrower does NOT have to go through the HAMP Loan Mod process to qualify for a HAFA Short Sale. In other words, they can simply request a Short Sale (or Deed in lieu of foreclosure) which means giving the house back to the bank.

* Virtually ever lender is participating.

* There will be standardized, uniform forms.

* Lender will tell the real estate broker/ agent the NET dollar amount they need upfront.

* Borrowers MUST list with an agent. No For Sale By Owner doing a HAFA short sale.

* Lenders have 10 days to approve/ accept or request and extension to all offers.
* If the lender (servicer) doesn’t accept your Short Sale offer they have to tell you IN WRITING why.

* Fannie and Freddie HAFA Guidelines are coming soon.