Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA) Acting Director
Edward DeMarco announced changes to short sale policies that will make it easier for military homeowners with Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac loans to honor their financial commitments when they are required to move as part of their duty.
DeMarco announced that military homeowners who receive Permanent Change of Station (PCS) orders will be eligible to sell their homes in a short sale even if they are current on their mortgage. PCS orders often require quick moves and can create hardship for military homeowners who are underwater on their mortgages and therefore cannot sell their home without taking a loss. Previously, many service members felt their only option was either to maintain financial obligations on two residences or to default on their mortgage.
“It is in everyone’s interest for the men and women serving in our armed forces to focus on the important job they are doing defending our country, rather than worry about the maintenance and leasing of a property in another jurisdiction,” DeMarco said. “These Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac policy changes, in combination with related guidance last fall, should now provide military homeowners with access to the immediate and automatic full range of foreclosure alternatives.”
Under the new policy Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac will not pursue a deficiency judgment or any cash contribution or promissory note from members of the military with a change in duty station for any property purchased on or before June 30. Service members must have a Fannie Mae or Freddie Mac loan to be eligible.