Deed for Lease Program



Posted: Tuesday, November 10, 2009

by
Goldstein and Clegg LLC

Even if you don't qualify for a loan modification through the HAMP or some other loan workout program, you may be able to qualify for the Deed for Lease Program by Fannie Mae ("D4L"). This is a new option for qualified borrowers or tenants of borrowers who are facing foreclosure. The program will allow the homeowner or tenant to remain in their home by surrendering the deed to the home to Fannie Mae and in return be allowed to sign a lease through a deed-in-lieu of foreclosure transaction. Fannie Mae executives said the rental program is designed to help delinquent homeowners who don't qualify for a loan modification, but still want to stay in their homes

The program is intended to keep families in their homes even after a possible foreclosure or transfer of ownership of their property back to the bank by executing a lease of up to 12 months. Investment properties that are tenant-occupied may also be considered as long as the borrower is cooperative in providing information from the tenant to facilitate the transfer of ownership.

The program helps "eliminate some of the uncertainty of foreclosure, keeps families and tenants in their homes during a transitional period, and helps to stabilize neighborhoods and communities," Jay Ryan, a Fannie Mae vice president, said in a statement.

In order to qualify for the Deed for Lease Program, the occupant of the property must have the ability to pay rent at the value the market bears, which can not be more then 31% of his or her monthly gross income. The home must also be the primary residence of either the homeowner or the tenant who will continue to occupy the property. The homeowner must not be more then 12 months behind on their mortgage payments and most importantly, the person responsible for paying the rent, will have verifiable income. In addition, Fannie Mae will inspect the property to confirm that the occupants have been keeping the property in good condition. The occupants will need to agree to be responsible for regular maintenance, to keep the property in good condition, and to permit marketing of the property for sale. Finally, the occupants signing the lease must agree to a credit review and all occupants over the age of 18 must have an acceptable background check.

At the conclusion of the 12 month lease term, there is the potential for a month-to-month extensions of the lease. There is also the potential to buy back the property from Fannie Mae at the end of the lease period if the homeowner can scrape together the money. The obvious benefit here is that the buy back price would be at current market value and not at the original mortgage value.

For more information contact Michael Goldstein
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