In a long line of attempts at helping this erratic real estate market, the US Treasury Dept unveiled a plan to speed up and encourage short sales for families facing foreclosure.  As real estate agents across the US know, short sales are a logical and less costly option to families facing foreclosure. 

An initial article from Rueter's outlines some points in the plan.

• Mandatory time lines for lenders to respond
• Financial incentives for completing short sales
• Guidance caps the aggregate proceeds to subordinate lien holders at $3,000
• Prohibits mortgage servicing companies from reducing real estate commissions on the sale

This maybe the start to increased efficiency in the short sale process across the many lenders flooded with short sale requests.