Bank of America encourages distressed homeowners to explore a short sale as a viable option for avoiding foreclosure. To that end, for a limited time we are offering enhanced relocation assistance to help motivate homeowners to engage with us on a pre-offer short sale.
An additional benefit for these pre-offer programs - such as the Home Affordable Foreclosure Alternatives (HAFA) and Bank of America's proprietary program - is that deficiency may be waived for the homeowner.
Eligibility:
• Homeowners with property in Florida
• Short sales initiated without an offer between September 26 and November 30
• The customer will have to be eligible for one of the without offer programs such as the HAFA program or our proprietary program (specific investor participation and eligibility criteria do apply to these programs)
• Successful closing of the eligible short sale by August 31, 2012
• Minimum relocation assistance is $5,000 and maximum is $20,000, with the specific amount calculated based on the unpaid principal balance Exclusions:
• Ginnie Mae, FHA, VA and USDA loans are ineligible for participation
• Lot loans are ineligible for participation
• Properties outside the state of Florida are ineligible for participation
• Short sales initiated with an offer are not currently eligible for the enhanced relocation assistance
Frequently Asked Questions:
Q: How can I find out if my client/homeowner qualifies for this relocation assistance?
A: Call a Bank of America short sale specialist at 1.877.459.2852. Monday - Friday 8 a.m. - 10 p.m.; Saturday 9 a.m. - 5:30 p.m. Eastern
Q: Do I have to do anything differently when initiating or completing the short sale?
A: No. As long as the homeowner's short sale is initiated between September 26 and November 30, 2011, and the property closes by August 31, 2012, they will be eligible.
Q: Will the relocation assistance funds be reported on the HUD-1?
A: Yes, they will be documented on the HUD-1, and a 1099-MISC will be issued.
Q: Can the relocation assistance funds be used to pay off existing liens?
A: Yes, if the investor approves it.
Q: Is the relocation assistance added to any other incentives, such as the HAFA or Bank of America proprietary program incentives?
A: No. A homeowner will receive the $5,000 to $20,000 in place of the typical incentive paid out by these programs. The relocation assistance is essentially an enhancement to the standard payout offered on these programs.
Q: Is the enhanced relocation assistance available for other programs?
A: Currently, the enhanced relocation assistance is only available to short sale programs initiated without an offer. However, as we gauge the success we may extend this incentive to other programs. Questions? Homeowners and agents may call 1.877.459.2852 to speak to a Bank of America short sale specialist about this exciting relocation assistance offering.
We have already heard from Chase that they are doing the same program and we expect all banks will be following shortly, so no matter your lender, if you are struggling with your mortgage or are about to due to economic changes in your life, please call me today and we can schedule a confidential interview to decide if short sale is the appropriate decision for you.
Wouldn't you rather walk away with up to $20,000 in your pocket and no foreclosure on your credit?
Kevin B Tolbert, PA, GRI
Certified Distressed Property Expert
Keller Williams Realty of the Treasure Coast
1850 SW Fountainview Blvd Ste 200
St Lucie West, FL 34986
Direct: 772-834-0099
Email: kevinbtolbert@kw.com
Website: http://www.ISellPortStLucieLand.Com
Website: http://www.SearchforSouthFloridaHome.Com
Blog: http://www.activerain.com/blogs/kbtolbert
