On March 4, 2009, the Obama Administration released detailed guidelines for homeowners to help them determine if they qualify for the Administration's new Making Home Affordable plan. This is a follow up to the Administration's announcement on February 18 outlining their plan to stem the current tide of foreclosures and stabilize the nation's housing markets.
The plan has two primary goals:
1.To help homeowners in existing Fannie Mae or Freddie Mac loans that are current on their mortgage payments to refinance and take advantage of today's lower interest rates. Many of these homeowners are unable to refinance because of lost appreciation in their homes due to the continuing decline in home prices. These homeowners still have equity in their home, just not the necessary 20% to get a refinance. Under the Administration's plan, Fannie and Freddie will be allowed to refinance qualified homeowners up to a 105 percent loan-to-value of the current value of the home.
2. To help homeowners who are at risk of foreclosure.The Administration is offering loan servicers and investors government assistance to help offset the cost of modifying qualified homeowners into affordable mortgages that will allow them to keep their homes. This may be done by reducing the mortgage interest rate, extending the term of the loan, principal forbearance, and/or principal cramdown. This program is voluntary and the servicers must agree to contracts with the Treasury to participate.
In addition, the Government warns homeowners to beware of foreclosure rescue scams:
- There should never be a fee charged for information or assistance regarding the Making Home Affordable Program.
- Beware of anyone who says they can "save" your home if you sign or transfer over the deed to your home. Do not sign over the deed to your property to any organization or individual unless you are working directly with your mortgage company to forgive your debt.
- Never make your mortgage payment to anyone other than your mortgage company without their approval.
To find out if you qualify for either the Making Home Affordable Refinancing Program or the Loan Modification Program please click on the appropriate link below:
Find Out If You Qualify For the Making Home Affordable Refinance
Find Out if You Qualify For the Home Affordable Modification
Please find a list of useful resources below:
Making Home Affordable Summary of Guidelines
Making Home Affordable Borrower Q&A
Making Home Affordable Detailed Program Description
Home Affordable Modification Program Guidelines
Press Releases
Treasury Press Release
Fannie Mae Press Release
Freddie Mac Press Release
Important Contact Information:
Fannie Mae
- 1-800-7FANNIE (8am to 8pm EST)
- www.fanniemae.com/homeaffordable
Freddie Mac
- 1-800-Freddie (8am to 8pm ESP)
- www.freddiemac.com/avoidforeclosure
Contact Your Mortgage Company
HUD Approved Counselors
Larry has over 15 years of experience in Bank Repos and Short Sales and non foreclosed real estate, my clients include General Electric Mortgage, Home Savings, Associates Finance, Transamerica. Current clients include Bank of America, Ocwen Financial Corporation, Countrywide and Keystone Asset Management to name a few. Larry is President of Weichman Associates located in Costa Mesa California. He has sold real estate since 1976 and is a 3rd generation Real Estate Broker. Larry has closed escrow on over 1,000 properties; from townhomes to commercial buildings. Please be sure to visit us on the Internet at www.TeamWeichman.com, www.OCHomeTracker.com or www.OCRepoBroker.com or you can call me at 714-241-4532
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