Fannie Mae First Look Initiative...What Does it Mean to You??

Fannie Mae First Look Initiative...What Does it Mean to You??

Fannie Mae has initiated a new program called the Fannie Mae First Look Initiative and many are confused about EXACTLY what this means to them. For end users (someone looking to live in the home), this is GOOD NEWS. This means that you have the right for 15 days to get "first dibbs" on the home before anyone else. This will limit the competition of investors coming in and getting the homes before you have a chance to bid on it.

HOWEVER, keep in mind, these are bank-owned properties, so if you are looking to pay with an FHA loan many of these homes will have over $5000.00 worth of damage to them and will not pass FHA guidelines, so you would not be able to qualify for a mortgage on the home. Even conventional guidelines are becoming very careful about loaning to homes in poor "condition", so just be aware of that fact.

For investors, this means, owner occupants will have the first right of refusal on the home and you will have to wait 15 days before you can submit your offer. For investors that want to close quickly or buy in bulk, this will pose a problem. For those who maintain patience, and consistency, you will still be able to get these properties at a later date.

We don't know how long this initiative will last, but with the diminishing supply of homes on the market, Fannie Mae wanted to give owner occupants the benefit to get into some of these homes. While I believe in the dream that everyone should have the opportunity to own a home, I don't think Fannie Mae is taking into account how significant investors are to helping turn around the home market. Therefore, time will tell how much benefit this inititave has on our economy.

Should you have any questions about the Fannie Mae initiative or any other programs currently out right now, please feel free to call me at 678-463-3173.