HAFA was introduced to simplify and streamline the short sale process. HAFA accomplishes this in the following ways:
- Compliments HAMP by providing viable alternatives for borrowers who are HAMP-eligible
- Uses standard processes, documents and timeframes
- Provides financial incentives to borrowers, servicers and investors1
- Requires that borrowers be fully released from future liability for the debt
- Utilizes borrower financial and hardship information collected in conjunction with HAMP, eliminating the need for additional eligibility analysis
- Allows the borrower to receive pre-approved short sale terms prior to the property listing
- Prohibits the servicer from requiring, as a condition of approving the short sale, a reduction in the real estate commission agreed upon in the listing agreement
HAFA provides financial incentives as follows:
- Financial incentives for lenders participating in the program include up to $6,000 (updated March 26, 2010; was previously $3,000) servicing bonus upon completion of a short sale or deed-in-lieu
- Homeowners qualify for $3,000 (updated March 26, 2010; was previously $1,500) in Borrower Relocation Assistance after a short sale or deed-in-lieu has been executed (may classify as taxable income in some cases2)
- Lenders pay all servicing fees — homeowners suffer zero out-of-pocket expenses3