New HAFA Short Sale rules for 2/1/11

Treasury has released amendments to the HAFA program effective February 1, 2011. To review the amendments, click here.

Most interestingly, Front-End Debt-to-Income Ratio analysis is no longer required and new rules for vacant properties are provided.

Now: A property vacant for less than 1 year can be considered, which is a lot more time than the 90 days that was previously allowed. Also, the applicant no longer needs to justify their relocation based upon employment requirements.

This new vacant property rule brings the program close to reality where many distressed homeowners simply leave their home when times get tough. Its a great move by Treasury because now more abandoned homes can be brought back to life with new homeowners.