RISMEDIA, February 23, 2010—According to the most recent Realtors Confidence Index, buyers continue to be discouraged with the extended short sale process, resulting in foreclosures that could have been prevented. New resources from the National Association of Realtors® (NAR) aim to help Realtors and consumers successfully navigate the short sale process to help more homeowners avoid foreclosure.
“Our members report that short sales are often riddled with delays and red tape,” said NAR President Vicki Cox Golder, owner of Vicki L. Cox & Associates in Tucson, Ariz. “As the first, best source for real estate information, Realtors are dedicated to help streamline and improve the short sale process for both buyers and sellers. NAR has worked tirelessly to provide Realtors with the resources they need to navigate short sale transactions, as well as provide guidance on helpful government programs designed for homeowners facing the process.”
On April 5, 2010, the U.S. government will implement the Home Affordable Foreclosure Alternatives Program (HAFA). Part of the Home Affordable Modification Program (HAMP), HAFA helps homeowners who are unable to retain their home under HAMP by simplifying and streamlining the use of short sales and deeds-in-lieu of foreclosures. Homeowners must meet certain requirements to participate and incentive payments are provided to homeowners and servicers.
To help Realtors® understand HAFA and its guidelines, NAR has released a brochure about the Home Affordable Foreclosure Alternatives Program and additional resources online, including government forms and guidelines, a video explaining the new federal guidelines, and frequently asked questions. Designed to help Realtors explain the new program to homeowners, NAR’s HAFA resources explain how the program aims to streamline short sales and, in the process, save more families from foreclosure. “The new guidelines and incentives as part of HAFA are a crucial step towards reducing problems with the short sale process, and Realtors are ready to help make this new program a success,” said Golder.
In addition to its resources on HAFA, NAR launched a Short Sales and Foreclosures Certification Program in August 2009. The SFR program is offered by the Real Estate Buyer’s Agent Council of NAR and includes training on how to manage short sale, foreclosure and real-estate owned transactions.
For more information, visit www.realtor.org.
