Details on HUD Emergency Homeowners Loan Program

On October 5, 2010, HUD released details about the $1 Billion Emergency Homeowners Loan Program (EHLP) authorized by the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act.

EHLP will offer declining balance, deferred payment “bridge loan” (non-recourse, subordinate loans with 0% interest rate) for up to $50,000 to assist eligible homeowners with payments of arrearages, including delinquent taxes and insurance plus up to 24 months of monthly payments on their mortgage principal, interest, mortgage insurance premiums, taxes, and hazard insurance.

Borrowers living in the following jurisdictions are eligible to receive funds through the EHLP:

TX	Texas	$ 135,418,959
NY	New York	$ 111,649,112
PA	Pennsylvania	$ 105,804,905
MA	Massachusetts	$  61,036,001
WA	Washington	$  56,272,599
MN	Minnesota	$  55,848,137
WI	Wisconsin	$   51,540,638
MO	Missouri	$   49,001,729
VA	Virginia	$   46,627,889
CO	Colorado	$   41,286,747
MD	Maryland	$   39,962,270
CT	Connecticut	$   32,946,864
KS	Kansas	$   17,748,782
AR	Arkansas	$   17,736,991
IA	Iowa	$   17,379,343
LA	Louisiana	$   16,691,558
UT	Utah	$   16,577,582
OK	Oklahoma	$   15,575,381
PR	Puerto Rico	$   14,714,668
ID	Idaho	$   13,284,075
NH	New Hampshire	$   12,655,243
NM	New Mexico	$   10,725,515
ME	Maine	$   10,379,657
WV	West Virginia	$     8,339,884
NE	Nebraska	$     8,304,512
HI	Hawaii	$     6,292,250
DE	Delaware	$     6,048,577
MT	Montana	$     5,710,580
VT	Vermont	$     4,830,215
AK	Alaska	$     3,890,898
WY	Wyoming	$     2,346,329
SD	South Dakota	$     2,051,563
ND	North Dakota	$     1,320,547
Total:		$ 1,000,000,000

Program Administration

Delegated Approach: Borrowers who are listed in one of the above 32 states or Puerto Rico will meet with non-profit housing counselors who are part of the National Foreclosure Mitigation Counseling Program administered by NeighborWorks® America to receive funding.

The non-profit housing counselors will provide intake and outreach services including:

• (i) developing and disseminating program marketing materials, (ii) providing an overview of the program and eligibility requirements, (iii) conducting initial eligibility screening (including verifying income), (iv) counseling  potential applicants, providing information concerning available employment and training resources,  (v) collecting and assembling homeowner documentation, (vi) submitting homeowner application, and (vii) providing transition counseling to explore with the homeowner other loss mitigation options, including loan modification, short sale, deed-in-lieu of foreclosure, or traditional sale of home.

• The counselors shall also be encouraged to conduct outreach to entities in local communities to provide information on assistance available to unemployed homeowners through this program and shall publicize the list of entities approved to assist potential applicants with applying to the program

State Law Approach: Borrowers or state HFAs that operate loan assistance programs that are determined by HUD to be substantially similar to the EHRF program will receive allocations to fund emergency loans for borrowers in the states below:

Alabama	$60,672,471
California	$476,257,070
Florida	$238,864,755
Georgia	$126,650,987
Illinois	$166,352,726
Indiana	$82,762,859
Kentucky	$55,588,050
Michigan	$128,461,559
Mississippi	$38,036,950
Nevada	$34,056,581
New Jersey	$112,200,638
North Carolina	$120,874,221
Ohio	$148,728,864
Oregon	$49,294,215
Rhode Island	$13,570,770
South Carolina	$58,772,347
Tennessee	$81,128,260
Washington, DC	$7,726,678

Allocation of Program Funds

Recipient Geography: HUD will assist borrowers living in Puerto Rico and the 32 states otherwise not funded by Treasury’s Innovation Fund for Hardest Hit Housing Markets (Hardest Hit Fund) program.

Allocation Amount: The total amount reserved will be based on the state’s approximate share of unemployed homeowners with a mortgage relative to all unemployed homeowners with a mortgage

Targeting Funds to Local Geographies: HUD will provide information that identifies pockets within each of the designated states that have suffered the most from recent spikes in unemployment and/or mortgage delinquencies.  HUD will encourage the use of program dollars in these hardest-hit areas.

Homeowner Eligibility and Program Operation

Income Thresholds: Has a total pre-event household income equal to, or less than, 120% of the Area Median Income (AMI), which includes wage, salary, and self-employed earnings and income.

Significant Income Reduction: Has a current gross income (income before taxes) that is at least 15% lower than the pre-event income.

• “Pre-event income”: the income prior to the onset of unemployment, underemployment, or medical emergency
• “Current income”: the income at the time of program application, as well as income during the period that the homeowner continues to receive assistance from the fund

Employment type: Both wage and salary workers and self-employed individuals are eligible.

Delinquency and Likelihood of Foreclosure: Must be at least 3 months delinquent on payments and have received notification of an intention to foreclose.  This requirement can be documented by any written communication from the mortgagee to the homeowner indicating at least 3 months of missed payments and the mortgagee’s intent to foreclose.  In addition, the homeowner can self-certify that there is a likelihood of initiation of foreclosure on the part of their mortgagee due to the homeowner being at least 3 months delinquent in their monthly payment.

Ability to Resume Repayment: Has a reasonable likelihood of being able to resume repayment of the first mortgage obligations within 2 years, and meet other housing expenses and debt obligations when the household regains full employment, as determined by:

• The homeowner must have a back-end or debt-to-income (DTI) ratio below 55%

Back-end DTI ratio:

Total Monthly Debt Expenses ÷ Total Gross Monthly Income

• Total monthly debt expenses = mortgage principal, interest, taxes, insurance, & revolving and fixed installment debt

***Note: For this calculation, gross income will be measured at the “pre-event” level***

Principal Residence: Must reside in the mortgaged property and be your  principal residence.  The mortgaged property must also be a single family residence (1 – 4 unit structure or condominium unit).

Creation of HUD Note:  After the first assistance payment is made on behalf of the homeowner, the fiscal agent will create an open-ended “HUD note” and a mortgage to be  in the name of the Secretary HUD of sufficient size to accommodate the expected amount of assistance to be provided to homeowner.

Ongoing Qualification of Homeowner

Termination of Monthly Assistance: Assistance is terminated and the homeowner resumes full responsibility for meeting the first lien mortgage payments in the event of any of the following circumstances:

• The maximum loan ($50,000) amount has been reached;
• The homeowner fails to report changes in unemployment status or income;
• The homeowner’s income regains 85% or more of its pre-event level;
• The homeowner no longer resides in, sells, or refinances the debt on the mortgaged property; or
• The homeowner defaults on their portion of the current first lien mortgage loan payments

Income re-evaluation: After initial income verification at application intake, the homeowner shall be required to notify the fiscal agent of any changes in the household income and/or employment status at any point throughout the entire period of assistance

Forms of Assistance

Use of Funds for Arrearages: On behalf of the homeowner, the fiscal agent shall use loan funds to pay 100% of arrears (mortgage principal, interest, mortgage insurance premiums, taxes, hazard insurance, and ground rent, if any)

Homeowner Payments: Homeowner contribution to monthly payment on first mortgage will be set at 31% of gross income at the time of application, but in no instance will it be less than $25 per month

Use of Funds for Continuing Mortgage Assistance: The fiscal agent will make monthly mortgage payments to the servicer of the first lien mortgage in excess of the payments made by the homeowner

Duration of Assistance: If at any time the household’s gross income increases to 85% or more of its pre-event level, assistance will be phased out by the fiscal agent over a 2 month period.  In any event, assistance with monthly payments may not continue beyond 24 months

Repayment Terms

Transition Counseling:   The designated counseling agent shall contact each homeowner that is approaching the last months of program eligibility and remains un/underemployed (3-6 months before the assistance ends) and require the homeowner  to meet with a HUD approved counseling agent to explore other loss mitigation options, including loan modification, short sales, deed-in-lieu of foreclosure, or traditional sale of home

Repayment of HUD Note: Following the last payment on behalf of the homeowner, the fiscal agent will process the homeowner’s “HUD Note” and record a mortgage with a specific loan balance.  The note and mortgage will be in the form of a 5 year declining balance, 0% interest, non-recourse loan, and the mortgage shall be in the form of a secured junior lien on the property

Terms for Declining Balance Feature:  No payment is due on the note during the 5 year term so long as the assisted household maintains the property as principal residence and remains current in his or her monthly payments on the first mortgage loan.  If the homeowner meets these two conditions, the balance due shall decline by 20% annually, until the note is extinguished and the junior loan is terminated

Events Triggering Note Repayment: The homeowner will be responsible for repayment of the applicable balance of the HUD note to the fiscal agent or its successor,  if, at any time during the 5 year repayment period, any of the following events occur:

• The homeowner no longer resides in the mortgaged property as a principal residence, but maintains ownership;
• The homeowner defaults on its portion of  the current mortgage; or
• The homeowner receives net proceeds from selling or refinancing debt on the home.

***Note: Net proceeds — after paying outstanding applicable brokers fees, first balances (and second lien balances, as applicable), and an allowance of $2,000 to the homeowner for relocation expenses when the home is sold — will go towards paying down the HUD note.  In the event that proceeds of a sale or loan refinance are not sufficient to repay the entire HUD note, the remaining applicable balance of the HUD note shall be considered to have been met, and the lien against the property shall be released***

Provisions for Underwater Homeowners: At all stages of the program, “underwater” homeowners will be encouraged to explore participation in short sale or short refinancing programs offered by their servicer and/or the federal government (i.e. Home Affordable Foreclosure Alternatives), which will not trigger repayment of the HUD note

• Underwater homeowners = homeowners with mortgage debt in excess of the market value of their home

Program Start Date

HUD intends for EHLP to begin taking applications by the end of 2010

$3 billion additional assistance for jobless homeowners

On August 11, 2010, the Obama Administration announced additional support to help homeowners struggling with unemployment through two targeted foreclosure-prevention programs.

Through the existing Housing Finance Agency (HFA) Innovation Fund for the Hardest Hit Housing Markets (HFA Hardest Hit Fund), the U.S. Department of the Treasury will make $2 billion of additional assistance available for HFA programs for homeowners struggling to make their mortgage payments due to unemployment. Additionally, the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) will soon launch a complementary $1 billion Emergency Homeowners Loan Program to provide assistance – for up to 24 months – to homeowners who are at risk of foreclosure and have experienced a substantial reduction in income due to involuntary unemployment, underemployment, or a medical condition.

“HUD’s new Emergency Homeowner Loan Program will build on Treasury’s Hardest Hit initiative by targeting assistance to struggling unemployed homeowners in other hard hit areas to help them avoid preventable foreclosures,” said Bill Apgar, HUD Senior Advisor for Mortgage Finance. Together, these initiatives represent a combined $3 billion investment that will ultimately impact a broad group of struggling borrowers across the country and in doing so further contribute to the Administration’s efforts to stabilize housing markets and communities across the country.”

Hardest Hit Fund

President Obama first announced the HFA Hardest Hit Fund in February 2010 to allow states hit hard by the economic downturn flexibility in determining how to design and implement programs to meet the local challenges homeowners in their state are facing.

Under the additional assistance announced, states eligible to receive support have all experienced an unemployment rate at or above the national average over the past 12 months. Each state will use the funds for targeted unemployment programs that provide temporary assistance to eligible homeowners to help them pay their mortgage while they seek re-employment, additional employment or undertake job training.

States that have already benefited from previously announced assistance under the HFA Hardest Hit Fund may use these additional resources to support the unemployment programs previously approved by Treasury or they may opt to implement a new unemployment program. States that do not currently have HFA Hardest Hit Fund unemployment programs must submit proposals to Treasury by September 1, 2010 that, within established guidelines, meet the distinct needs of their state.

The states eligible to receive funds through this additional assistance, along with allocations based on their population sizes, are as follows:

Alabama	$60,672,471
California	$476,257,070
Florida	$238,864,755
Georgia	$126,650,987
Illinois	$166,352,726
Indiana	$82,762,859
Kentucky	$55,588,050
Michigan	$128,461,559
Mississippi	$38,036,950
Nevada	$34,056,581
New Jersey	$112,200,638
North Carolina	$120,874,221
Ohio	$148,728,864
Oregon	$49,294,215
Rhode Island	$13,570,770
South Carolina	$58,772,347
Tennessee	$81,128,260
Washington, DC	$7,726,678

HUD Emergency Homeowners Loan Program

This new program will complement Treasury’s HFA Hardest Hit Fund by providing assistance to homeowners in hard hit local areas that may not be included in the hardest hit target states. Those areas are still being determined.

The program will work through a variety of state and non-profit entities and will offer:

• a declining balance
• deferred payment “bridge loan” (0% interest, non-recourse, subordinate loan) for up to $50,000 on their mortgage principal, interest, mortgage insurance, taxes and hazard insurance for up to 24 months.

Under the program, eligible borrowers must:

• Be at least 3 months delinquent in their payments and have a reasonable likelihood of being able to resume repayment of their mortgage payments and related housing expenses within 2 years;
• Have a mortgage property that is the principal residence of the borrower, and eligible borrowers may not own a second home;
• Demonstrate a good payment record prior to the event that produced the reduction of income.

HUD will announce additional details, including the targeted communities and other program specifics when the program is officially launched in the coming weeks.

HAMP 2nd Lien Modification Program (2MP)

 

***UPDATE:  Click HERE to view a 30-minute self-guided tutorial that provides an overview of the Second Lien Modification Program (2MP) for servicers of non-Government Sponsored Entities (GSE) loans.***

Note: If you are having a problem accessing the tutorial, email me at lauren@lossmitigationmasters.com

Many homeowners may be struggling to make their monthly mortgage payments because they have a second lien.  Even when a first mortgage payment is affordable, the addition of a second lien can sometimes increase monthly payments beyond affordable levels.  Second liens often complicate or prevent modification or refinancing of a first mortgage.

The 2nd Lien Modification Program (2MP) offers homeowners a way to lower payments on their second mortgage.  2MP offers homeowners, their mortgage servicers, and investors an incentive for modifying a second lien.  Servicers and investors may also receive an incentive for extinguishing a second lien, forgiving all of the debt a homeowner owes.

Homeowners must provide consent to share their first lien mortgage modification information with their second lien mortgage servicer, if they are different. Since 2MP is meant to be complementary to the Home Affordable Modification Program (HAMP), a homeowner must have their first lien modified through HAMP before the second lien can be modified under 2MP.

Under 2MP, with their investor’s guidance, a mortgage servicer may:

• Reduce the interest rate to 1% for second liens that pay both principal and interest (amortizing)
• Reduce the interest rate to 1% amortizing or 2% interest-only for interest-only second liens
• Extend the term of the second lien to 40 years
• If the principal was deferred (through forbearance) or forgiven on the first lien, a servicer must forbear the same proportion on the second lien; although a servicer may, in its discretion, forgive any portion or all of the second lien and receive incentives for doing so

A second lien is eligible for 2MP if:

• the corresponding first lien has been modified under the Obama Administration’s HAMP and the second lien servicer is participating
• it was originated on or before January 1, 2009
• it does not have an unpaid principal balance (at consideration for the modification) of less than $5,000 or a pre-modification scheduled monthly payment of less than $100
• it has not yet been modified under 2MP
• it is not subordinate to a second lien or is not a home equity loan in first lien position
• it is not a second lien on which no interest is charged and no payments are due until the first lien is paid in full
• the second lien servicer is in possession of a fully executed 2MP modification agreement or trial period plan by December 31, 2012; or the second lien is not insured, guaranteed, or held by a Federal government agency (e.g. FHA, HUD, VA, and Rural Development)

Examples

Family A: Amortizing Second Mortgage

In 2006: Family A took out a 30-year closed-end second mortgage with a balance of $45,000 and an interest rate of 8.6%.

Today: Family A has an unpaid balance of almost $44,000 on their second mortgage.

Under the 2MP: The interest rate on Family A’s second mortgage will be reduced to 1% for 5 years. This will reduce their annual payments by over $2,300.

After those five years, Family A’s mortgage payment will rise again but to a more moderate level.

	Existing Mortgage	Loan Modification
Balance	$43,942	$43,942
Remaining Years	27	27
Interest Rate	8.6%	1.0%
Monthly Payment	$349.48	$154.81
Savings	$195 per month, $2,336 per year for five years

Family B: Interest-Only Second Mortgage

In 2006: Family B took out an interest-only second mortgage with a balance of $60,000, an interest rate of 4.4%, and a term of 15 years.

Today: Family B has $60,000 remaining on their interest-only second mortgage because none of the principal was paid down.

Under the 2MP: The interest rate on Family B’s interest-only second mortgage will be reduced to 2% for 5 years. This will reduce their annual interest payments by $1,440.

After those five years, Family B’s mortgage payment will adjust back up and the mortgage will amortize over a term equal to the longer of (i) the remaining term of the family’s modified first mortgage (e.g. 27 years if the first mortgage had a 30 year term at origination and was three years old at the time of modification) or (ii) the originally scheduled amortization term of the second mortgage.

	Existing Mortgage	Loan Modification
Balance	$60,000	$60,000
Remaining Years	12	27 (term reset to the remaining term of the modified first loan)
Interest Rate	4.4%	2.0%
Monthly Interest Payments	$220	$100
Savings	$120 per month, $1,440 per year for five years

List of Participating Servicers

• Bank of America (including Countrywide)
• Citi Mortgage, Inc.
• Chase (including EMC and WaMu)
• Wells Fargo (including Wachovia)
• BayView Loan Servicing, LLC
• Servis One dba BSI Financial Services
• iServe Servicing, Inc.

More servicers will be added in the near future as they join the program.

For more information, contact your mortgage servicer.

Bank of America Short Sale Process Presentation

 

 On April 8, 2010, Bank of America (BOA) executives held a webinar presentation for over 10,000 Realtors to discuss BOA’s short sale process.

Tip: Refer to the Equator Agent/Homeowner Guide for step-by-step instructions 

Summary

10 Tips to Avoid Delays in Processing Time

1. Review all documents and images for accuracy prior to uploading in Equator
2. Ensure that property is listed in the MLS
3. Negotiate external party fees prior to submission of HUD-1
4. Supply HUD-1 that is valid for at least 60 days
5. Ensure that agent and customer tasks are completed as timely as possible in Equator (i.e. accepting short sale assignment, submitting short sale offer, and uploading offer documents within 7 days)
6. Only submit fully executed purchase offers with all appropriate addendums signed by both buyer and homeowner
7. Work to get purchase offer representing the best possible fair market value and highest net proceeds for the lender
8. Set appropriate expectations with buyers/sellers so they understand the complexity and resulting length of time a short sale can take
9. Work to get a release on outside liens as early as possible
10. The following situations will cause delays: (1) Change in buyer or agent at any time during the process; (2) Customer files bankruptcy; (3) Deal change after the approval letter is issued

Steps Already Taken to Improve the Short Sale Process

• Increased staffing and updated training
• Dedicated Short Sale Call Center:  1-866-880-1232
• Hours of Operation: 8 AM – 9PM (EST), Monday -Friday
• Extended Saturday hours – Coming Soon!
• Equator – primary tool for initiating the short sale
• Changed procedures to improve associate responsiveness
• Enhanced the procedure to proactively provide loan status

Steps Underway to Enhance Programs

Home Affordable Foreclosure Alternatives (HAFA):

• Implemented on April 5, 2010 and are following the HAFA guidelines 
• HAFA is first in short sale waterfall of options for a homeowner
• Remember: Some investors (Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac) are not participating; offering a cooperative or traditional short sale
• Proactive outreach to homeowners
• Offering a pre-approved short sale solicitation 
• After offer is submitted, approval within 14 days
• Promissory Note – Not required with HAFA 
• Homeowner required to clear second liens
• Homeowner leaves the home – no deficiency and no contribution

Cooperative Short Sales:

• Similar in approach to HAFA but wider in scope
• Includes homeowners who are not eligible for HAFA – non-owner occupied, jumbo loans, Fannie, Freddie
• Currently in pilot stages with rollout expected 2^nd Quarter of 2010

Steps Underway to Educate Agents

Education Materials:

• Overview of the process so agents can lead process
• Step-by-Step Guidelines for working through the system as an agent and homeowner
• Tips to avoid common problems

Outreach Events to Distribute Materials

• Large Realtor Events
• Webinars
• Participation with Short Sale Certification Programs

Want Agents’ Input

• Developing mechanisms for on-going feedback on process, systems, materials
• Will act on feedback with continuous improvements

Introduction to Equator

• 24/7 access to the short sale system
• Status tracking
• Direct communication with the Short Sale Negotiator
• Documents are uploaded directly to Equator instead of faxing
• Streamlined approval process
• Historical view of offers and counter offers

Coming Soon in Equator:

• There are a few specific loan investor types (i.e., FHA/VA) that are not on the Equator system and will be added at a later date
• Agent feedback, homeowner feedback, and internal data is being leveraged to identify system and/or enhancements for future process rollouts and educational material improvements

Agent Communication within Equator

• Throughout the process you will receive notifications of the status of the short sale. The system automatically tracks the agent, customer, and bank tasks and will alert you after key milestones have been achieved and to let you know the next steps.
• For specific questions/concerns you have, the negotiator assigned to the short sale is your primary contact.
• Please ensure when sending a message in Equator you only select “Negotiator”.
• We request that you only send messages via Equator and not directly through email. This enables our associates to effectively manage the case load and respond to agent inquires in a timely manner.
• If you have submitted a request to the Negotiator via Equator AND there has been no response after 2 business days: You should escalate to a “Team Lead” by selecting this role in your message drop down menu.
• In the event of an urgent issue, such as, a foreclosure sale date within 48 hours: You should immediately escalate to the “Team Lead” and “Manager”; and also call the Short Sale support team at 1-866-880-1232. 

HAMP Update: Guidance to Expedite Permanent Modifications

On January 28, 2010, the Treasury Department and Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD)  released updated guidance for the mortgage servicers who initiate the modifications and monitor the trial periods.  The guidance refines the documentation requirements and other procedures in order to expedite conversions of current trial modifications to permanent ones.

Guidance Details

Supplemental Directive 10-01 provides guidance on two major issues:

1. Converting Borrowers in the Temporary Review Period to Permanent Modifications

In December 2009, the Treasury implemented a review period through January 31, 2010 to provide servicers additional time to collect and submit missing documentation for borrowers in trial modifications, to require that borrowers be notified of any missing documents, and to give borrowers an opportunity to dispute and correct any erroneous information in their applications. Today’s guidance clarifies for servicers the proper procedures for conversion of those borrowers who are current on their monthly payments to permanent modifications.

Acknowledgement and Review of Initial Package

Within 10 business days following receipt of an Initial Package, the mortgage servicer must acknowledge in writing the borrower’s request for HAMP participation by sending the borrower confirmation that the Initial Package was received, and a description of the mortgage servicer’s evaluation process and timeline. If the Initial Package is received from the borrower via e-mail, the servicer may e-mail the acknowledgment. Servicers must maintain evidence of the date of receipt of the borrower’s Initial Package in its records.

Within 30 calendar days from the date an Initial Package is received, the mortgage servicer must review the documentation provided by the borrower for completeness. If the documentation is incomplete, the mortgage servicer must send the borrower an Incomplete Information Notice in accordance with the guidance set forth in the “Incomplete Information Notice” section below. If the borrower’s documentation is complete, the servicer must either:

1. Send the borrower a Trial Period Plan Notice; or
2. Make a determination that the borrower is not eligible for HAMP and communicate this determination to the borrower in accordance with the Borrower Notice guidance provided in Supplemental Directive 09-08.

A single written communication sent within 10 days of receipt of a borrower’s request for HAMP participation may also include, at the mortgage servicer’s discretion, the results of its review of the Initial Package. Mortgage servicers are reminded that Supplemental Directive 09-01 generally prohibits servicers from proceeding with a foreclosure sale for any potentially eligible mortgage loan until the borrower has been evaluated for eligibility under HAMP and has been determined to be ineligible or has declined a trial period plan offer.

 Incomplete Information Notice

If the mortgage servicer receives an incomplete Initial Package or needs additional documentation to verify the borrower’s eligibility and income, the servicer must send the borrower an Incomplete Information Notice that lists the additional required verification documentation. The Incomplete Information Notice must include a specific date by which the documentation must be received, which must be no less than 30 calendar days from the date of the notice. If the documents are not received by the date specified in the notice, the servicer must make one additional attempt to contact the borrower in writing regarding the incomplete documents. This additional notice must include the specific date by which the documentation must be received, which must be no less than 15 calendar days from the date of the second notice. If a borrower is unresponsive to these requests for documentation the servicer may discontinue document collection efforts and determine the borrower to be ineligible for HAMP. If the borrower is determined to be ineligible for HAMP, the servicer must communicate this determination to the borrower in accordance with the Borrower Notice guidance provided in Supplemental Directive 09-08.

Trial Period Plan Approval

Within 30 calendar days following receipt of an Initial Package or complete verification documents, the mortgage servicer must complete its verification and evaluate the borrower’s eligibility for HAMP and, if the borrower is qualified, send the borrower a Trial Period Plan Notice. If the borrower is determined to be ineligible for HAMP, the servicer must communicate this determination to the borrower in accordance with the Borrower Notice guidance provided in Supplemental Directive 09-08. Servicers are reminded that Supplemental Directive 09-01 prohibits servicers from initiating a new foreclosure action while a borrower is in a trial period plan.

Consideration for Alternative Loss Mitigation Options

When a borrower is determined to be ineligible for a HAMP modification, the servicer is required to consider that borrower for all other available loss mitigation options, including but not limited to refinance, forbearance, non-HAMP modifications and, to the extent a borrower does not qualify for a home retention alternative, Home Affordable Foreclosure Alternatives (short sales or deeds in lieu of foreclosure) under Supplemental Directive 09-09. As required in Supplemental Directive 09-08, available loss mitigation options should be described in the Non-Approval Notice.

Conversation from Trial to Permanent Modification:

Servicers must use a two-step process for HAMP modifications. Following underwriting and a determination that the borrower qualifies for a HAMP trial modification, servicers will place qualified borrowers in a trial period plan by preparing and sending a Trial Period Plan Notice to the borrower describing the terms of the trial modification and the payment due dates. Borrowers who make all trial period payments timely and who satisfy all other trial period requirements will be offered a permanent HAMP modification.

Step 1 – Trial Period Plan Start

The trial period is 3 months in duration (or longer if necessary to comply with applicable contractual obligations). Borrowers are not required to sign or return the Trial Period Plan Notice. Servicers should retain a copy of the Trial Period Plan Notice in the borrower file and note the date that it was sent to the borrower. Receipt of the first payment due under the trial period plan on or before the last day of the month in which the first payment is due is evidence of the borrower’s acceptance of the trial period plan and its terms and conditions. The effective date of the trial period will be set forth in the trial period plan and is the 1st day of the month in which the first trial period plan payment is due.

Step 2 – Conversion to Permanent

The borrower must be current under the terms of the trial period plan at the end of the trial period to receive a permanent loan modification. “Current” in this context is defined as the borrower having made each required trial period payment by the last day of the month in which it is due.

Borrowers who fail to make current trial period payments are considered to have failed the trial period and are not eligible for a HAMP modification. Servicers are instructed to use good business judgment in determining whether trial period payments were received timely or if mitigating circumstances caused the payment to be late. Exceptions should be documented in the servicing record.

HAMP Update: Documentation Collection Process

On January 28, 2010, the Treasury Department and Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD)  released updated guidance for the mortgage servicers who initiate the modifications and monitor the trial periods.  The guidance refines the documentation requirements and other procedures in order to expedite conversions of current trial modifications to permanent ones.

Phyllis Caldwell, Chief of Treasury’s Homeownership Preservation Office states that the “guidance represents our commitment to more efficiently move qualified homeowners into permanent modifications.”

“Increasing the number of borrowers receiving permanent modifications under HAMP is critical to our efforts to preserve affordable and sustainable homeownership,” said HUD Senior Advisor for Housing Finance William Apgar. “While we continue to meet our goals to provide immediate assistance, the updates announced today should enable servicers to transition borrowers more quickly and easily from trial to permanent modification.

Guidance Details

Supplemental Directive 10-01 provides guidance on two major issues:

1. New Requirements that Documentation be Provided Before Trial Modification Begins

A simple, standard package of documents will be required prior to the servicer’s evaluation of the borrower for a trial modification.  This process will be required for all new HAMP modifications that became effective after June 1, 2010, although mortgage servicers may implement it sooner.  The following documents, referred to as the “Initial Package” must include:

• Request for Modification and Affidavit (RMA) Form
• IRS Form 4506-T or 4506T-EZ (Request for Transcript of Tax Return)
• Evidence of Income

Step 1 – Complete the RMA Form

The RMA Form provides the servicer with borrower and co-borrower financial information including the cause of the borrower’s hardship. The financial information and hardship sections of the RMA must be completed and executed by the borrower and, if applicable, the co-borrower. The RMA also solicits data related to the race, ethnicity and gender of the borrower and co-borrower, referred to as Government Monitoring Data (GMD). The borrower and co-borrower are not required to provide GMD. Servicers may not refuse to accept an RMA because the borrower or co-borrower did not complete this section. Click here for instructions for completing the form.

Servicers may require use of the RMA by all borrowers requesting consideration for HAMP or may continue to use other proprietary financial information forms that are substantially similar in content to the RMA. When provided by or on behalf of the borrower, the RMA form must be accepted by servicers in lieu of any servicer specific form(s). When the RMA is not used, servicers must obtain an executed MHA Hardship Affidavit.

Step 2 - Complete the IRS Form 4506-T or 4506T-EZ

The IRS Form 4506-T or 4506T-EZ gives permission to your mortgage servicer to request a copy of your most recent tax return you have filed with the Internal Revenue Service (IRS). After you have completed the form, print two copies – one for your records and one to send to your mortgage servicer. Only one taxpayer is required to sign to Tax Form. Click here for instructions for completing the form.

Step 3 – Gather Evidence of Income

Your mortgage servicer is required to verify your income to ensure that the modified mortgage payments will be affordable for you.  The type of documentation you need to provide depends on the source of your income. The simple Proof of Income Checklist will tell you what documents you need to collect if you are a wage earner, self-employed, or receive retirement income.  Be sure to make copies of your income documentation and keep the originals for your records.

***Note: The income evidence and financial information provided by the borrower may not be more than 90 days old as of the date the Initial Package is received by the mortgage servicer.***

Step 4 – Send the Documentation to your Servicer

After you complete, print, and sign the RMA and Tax Form, send these documents, along with your proof of income, to your mortgage servicer.  You will find the correct mailing address and fax number at Contact Your Mortgage Servicer.

***Note: For all documents required by Treasury (other than the Tax Form), electronic submission and signatures are acceptable.***

Preserving Homeownership and Savings Education Strategy (PHASES) program

Money Management International (MMI), the nation’s largest nonprofit credit and debt counseling and education agency, today announced the official launch of their foreclosure prevention program, which has grown from a successful pilot program started in July 2007. With receipt of its second $1 million grant from HSBC-North America, MMI is able to expand its Preserving Homeownership and Savings Education Strategy (PHASES) program.

Utilizing the HSBC funds, the PHASES program provides grants for up to $7,500—an increase from from $5,000 during the pilot phase—to qualified homeowners who are striving to recover from a temporary financial setback. As part of the program, the PHASES team provides one-on-one financial counseling sessions to help keep families in their homes and effectively manage their personal finances.

During the pilot phase of the program, MMI and HSBC helped hundreds of homeowners become current on outstanding mortgage payments and have provided vital financial planning skills to keep consumers on the road to financial stability. The pilot program’s success is evidenced by its receipt of the NeighborWorks America’s 2008 Innovations in Homeownership Contest, for its innovative post-purchase strategy for consumers.

“HSBC is delighted to continue this partnership with MMI to provide the resources families need to keep their homes, and feel more confident about their future path, ” said Tom Detelich, president, Consumer and Mortgage Lending for HSBC Finance Corporation. “We are committed to working with MMI and other top national and local community organizations to provide practical tools to help families make an immediate difference and help plan for the future.”

MMI President and CEO Ivan Hand added, “In its pilot phase, the MMI PHASES program helped more than 200 consumers keep their homes and build stronger financial futures. With HSBC’s support, and the work of our housing counselors, the program was a great success and we’re glad to announce our expanded support for American homeowners.”

The PHASES program is currently available to homeowners in Arizona, California, Connecticut, Florida, Illinois, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Nevada, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Texas, and Virginia. To learn more about the MMI PHASES program, call 888-589-6959 or visit www.MMIPHASES.com.

About Money Management International

Money Management International (MMI) is a national HUD-approved housing counseling agency and nonprofit credit and debt counseling firm. MMI has been helping consumers trim their expenses, develop a spending plan, and repay debts since 1958. Counseling is available by appointment in branch offices and 24/7 by telephone and Internet. Services are available in English or Spanish.

Bank of America Short Sale Requirements

Bank of America (now merged with Countrywide) is now requesting the following documents for a short sale:

• A signed letter of hardship
• Verification of all sources of income (including 30 days paystubs). If self employed, provide profit and loss statement
• If Bank of America doesn’t pay your homeowners insurance and property taxes, provide proof of insurance, and paid copies of tax receipts
• A copy of signed purchase offer/sales contract
• Estimate of net proceeds on HUD-1
• A written description of any liens on the property

To expedite the review and approval process we suggest that you return the requested information via:

***Overnight Mail or Priority Mail to:***

Bank of America Mortgage
475 Cross Point Parkway
Getzille, NY 14068-9000
Loss Mitigation Department
Fax# 716-635-7255

New FHA Short Sale Guidelines for 2009

New FHA Guidelines make short sales easier than ever!

Short Sale Investors will be downright delirious to learn about changes to FHA laws set to begin in 2009. On December 24th, 2008 the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) released “Mortgage Letter 2008-43“….despite the inconspicuous title, this is a powerful boon to every short sale investor in the nation.

For those of you who somehow managed not to be engrossed by this less than climatic title, here are the MAJOR changes coming soon to a FHA/HUD foreclosure near you!

1. Elimination of the clause calling for 63 % or greater property appraisal vs. debt. Now properties can appraise at any value and still be eligible for the program.
2. Increased Net. Instead of the former 82 % net based upon appraisal value the new limits will be 88 % if sold with 30 days, 86 % if sold within 60 days and 84 % thereafter.
3. Increased Closing Costs on Short Sales. Although not a lot – FHA will now allow up to 1 % of closing costs rather than the former zero.
4. Increased Seller Incentives. Again, although not a lot this will at least allow sellers a reasonable down payment toward a rental home by putting up to $1,000 in their pocket at closing.
5. Increased Lien Allocations. Junior liens up to $2,500 are now allowed – just one more tool that helps sweeten the pot for short sale investors interested in pursuing FHA/HUD homes.
6. Removal of Repair Limitations. This is one change that could potentially add up to thousands depending upon the required maintenance on the home. This opens the doors to many homes that would otherwise be ignored due to excessive damage.
7. Exceptions to Non-Owner Occupant Requirements. This is on a case by case basis but opens to the door to rental properties formerly excluded from the program.