LIEB BLOG

Legal Analysts

Thursday, June 21, 2012

HAFA EXTENDED THROUGH 2013


The Home Affordable Foreclosure Alternatives (“HAFA”) Program has been extended through 2013 pursuant to Supplemental Directive 12-02. This extension is coupled with many changes to the Policies governing HAFA, effective June 1, 2012, which servicers shall implement immediately. They are, including but not limited to, the following:
1 )      Occupancy Requirements: None, although the following conditions exist: Borrower(s) must not have purchased another residential property in the previous twelve (12) months, nor can the property be owned or secured by a business entity.
      2 )      Relocation Assistance: $3,000.00 is limited to the primary occupant of the premises at the time of execution of the agreement (short-sale or deed-in-lieu). Occupants must vacate on or before closing. Vacant properties are ineligible for this option.
3 )      Second Lien Maximum: Increased from $6,000.00 to $8,500.00.
      4 )      Debt to Income Ratio: A borrower’s monthly mortgage payments are now permitted to exceed 31% of a borrower’s grossly monthly income, allowing a servicer to accept full payment to keep the borrower current on their mortgage.
5 )      Credit Bureau: If a deficiency is forgiven as a result of a short-sale or deed-in-lieu, the following Base Segment fields may be reported as follows, if applicable: Account Status Codes amended to 13 (Paid or closed account/zero balance) OR 65 (Account paid in full/foreclosure started).
The following amendments to HAFA should greatly improve its goal of assisting borrowers in need. Supplemental Directive 12-02 in its entirety can be found here:  https://www.hmpadmin.com/portal/programs/docs/hamp_servicer/sd1202.pdf .