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Several lenders, including Freddie Mac, report more than half of homeowners who lose their homes to foreclosure never answer their lenders' phone calls or letters. Instead, homeowners feel embarrassed about being in default, don't believe their lender can help, and erroneously assume that contacting their lender will cause them to lose their home more quickly.

In a press release announced earlier this week, The Short Sale Association of America (SSAA) shared results of a Freddie Mac survey that reported "6 in 10 homeowners in pre foreclosure aren't even aware of the  programs and services available to help them prevent foreclosure."

The release urges real estate professionals to reach out to distressed homeowners, knowing it is highly unlikely they will seek out assistance on their own. 

Note: lenders are still behind the times when it comes to investment properties. They claim to have loan modification and other options for investors, but typically that is not the case.

Fannie Mae recently launched WaysHome, an interactive video to educate homeowners about their options to avoid foreclosure, motivate them to make the right decisions, and encourage them to seek help. WaysHome is part of Fannie Mae's Know Your Options initiative to help today's struggling homeowners. Check it out at: www.KnowYourOptions.com.

Overview
WaysHome, a unique and innovative learning tool, allows homeowners to put themselves in real-life situations facing today's borrowers, make decisions, and see the consequences of their actions. Through WaysHome, homeowners can:      

• Participate in an interactive video simulation.      
• Select a character and go through the simulation "playing" that character.
• Follow characters as they encounter financial hardships and challenges that affect their ability to pay their mortgage.      
• Choose different paths based on real-life situations.
• Experience the positive outcomes or negative consequences of their choices, i.e., if they avoid taking action, foreclosure may be their only option.      
• Learn about options that may be available to help.      
• Discover the right paths to avoid foreclosure, know their options, and find their way home.

Agent benefits:
Our research shows that many homeowners still don't know about or understand their options to avoid foreclosure, and many homeowners who are seriously delinquent or in foreclosure have little to no contact with their mortgage company. WaysHome is designed to encourage homeowners to take action before it's too late.  

If you or your clients have questions or would like to order free copies of the WaysHome DVD, email ways_home@fanniemae.com.  

Up to 3.5 Percent Seller Assistance; Selling Agent Receives $1,500 Bonus

Fannie Mae (FNMA/OTC) today announced a seller assistance incentive on Fannie Mae-owned properties listed on the company's REO website, www.HomePath.com, and expands the initiative to offer an incentive to real estate agents and brokers. Qualified homebuyers who will be owner-occupants can receive up to 3.5 percent of the final sales price that can be used toward closing cost assistance, including a home warranty, if desired and available. In addition, selling agents representing owner-occupants will receive a $1,500 bonus. Eligible offers must be submitted on or after September 23, 2010, and must close by December 31, 2010. The sale must close within 60 days of the offer being accepted.

"More than eighty-seven thousand families have purchased HomePath^® properties in the first half of 2010 - nearly double the number of Fannie Mae foreclosed properties sold in the first half of 2009," said Terry Edwards, Executive Vice President of Fannie Mae's Credit Portfolio Management. "We continue to look for ways to stabilize neighborhoods and offer incentives to qualified buyers who will occupy these properties over the long-term and help support their communities."

HomePath properties are owned by Fannie Mae and include a wide selection of homes, including single-family homes, condominiums, and town houses. HomePath properties may also be eligible for special HomePath Mortgage and HomePath Renovation Mortgage financing.

For those of you who might be unaware, Fannie Mae has been releasing their REO inventory. Whatever your opinions are on Fannie, Freddie or the government programs in general, they have released more REO than most other financial institutions and we have to work with them. Embrace it, especially if you're a buyers agent... this is a good thing for buyers. Check out their website, they list their Active listings as well as listings that are coming soon. Use it to your advantage, and your buyers: www.homepath.com

Ok, I blew my Fannie horn for the day :) Have a good weekend!