When foreclosed properties return to the marketplace as “REO” or Real Estate Owned, the bank or other financial institution wants it sold as soon as possible. One way they make that happen is to offer buyer’s incentives to choose their property over the others on the market. Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac have taken this to the next level with their HomePath and HomeSteps programs. If you are utilizing 3.5% down financing, you can basically get into one of these homes at ZERO down! Here are the details on the latest offers from Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac.
Fannie Mae HomePath® Buyer Incentive
Fannie Mae is currently offering buyers up to 3.5% in closing cost assistance through October 31, 2011.
Terms and Conditions:
- Buyers and/or selling agents (the agent representing the buyer) must request the incentive upon submission of initial offer.
- Initial offer must be submitted on or after June 14, 2011 and close by October 31, 2011. Initial offers made prior to June 14 are not eligible for the June 14 – October 31 incentive.
- Sale must close on or before October 31, 2011. No exceptions will be made to this deadline. (Note: Initial offers submitted after September 15, 2011 may not close by the incentive deadline of October 31, 2011.)
- Buyers must be purchasing a HomePath property to use as their primary residence to receive closing cost assistance. Second homes and investment properties are excluded from the incentive.
- Sales closed via the retail channel are eligible, including those utilizing public funds. Pool and auction sales are ineligible.
- Buyers must sign the Owner Occupant Certification Rider to the Real Estate Purchase Addendum.
- Buyers with total closing costs under 3.5% are not eligible to receive the difference as a credit.
- Properties where Fannie Mae acquired the property in connection with financing under a reverse mortgage are not eligible. Ask the listing agent for details.
- Buyers should consult their lenders for guidance on financing. Lenders and mortgage products may impose their own limitations on the use of the 3.5% incentive. For example, the lender may consider the incentive a Seller Contribution and limit the amount to 3.0%. In those instances, the remaining 0.5% will no longer be available to the buyer.
Freddie Mac’s HomeSteps SmartBuySM
HomeSteps SmartBuy is our exciting home purchase program that offers:
- A limited two-year HomeProtect® Home Warranty
- Up to 30% savings* on new appliances
*Certain restrictions, limitations, terms and conditions apply. See HomeSteps SmartBuy Terms and Conditions for further details.
Freddie Mac Homebuyer Incentive**
- Up to 3.5% actual buyer’s closing cost
- 2-Year HomeProtect Limited Home Warranty***
DURATION OF BUYER’S CLOSING COST OFFER: May 16, 2011 – July 31, 2011 with escrow closed on or before September 30, 2011.


