Short Sale Assistance for Military Families

Military families have just been given help to sell their homes when forced to move because of their service. Permanent Change of Station (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. Homeowners who receive (PCS) orders now will be eligible to sell their homes in a short sale even if they are current on their mortgage. Previously, many service members felt their only option was either to maintain financial obligations on two residences or to default on their mortgage.

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, 2012.

Edward J. DeMarco, Acting Director of the Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA) explained:

“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.”