Do you know a first time buyer?  Well, now might be the time for them to make their move.  On Monday, Fannie Mae announced the launch of a new incentive aimed at moving some of their REO inventory off the shelves.  For a limited time, buyers purchasing a Fannie Mae owned home, sold through their REO disposition operation known as HomePath may receive up to 3.5% of the purchase price in closing cost assistance.

Fannie Mae has successfully used similar incentives in the past, and hopes that this program will encourage buyers to step forward and purchase a home now.  The company acquired 262,078 homes through foreclosure in 2010, which is a considerable increase over the 145,617 homes they added in 2009. As of the close of the year their inventory was 162,489 single family homes with a carrying value of $15 Billion. Like I said, they have to move some inventory.

In order to qualify, buyers must be purchasing a home they will live in – the incentive is not offered for investor purchases.  The initial offer must be submitted no earlier than April 11, 2011, and must close escrow by June 30, 2011. Buyers may also have the opportunity to take advantage of Fannie Mae HomePath Financing and Homepath Renovation Financing which offer loans with as little as 3.00% down payment.

To a new buyer, this basically means that all their closing costs will be totally covered as those costs generally equal about 3.00% of the purchase price.  On a $300,000 home they would need just a $9,000 down payment in order to get into a home of their own.  Pretty sweet deal.  If you know someone who might be interested, please have them give me a call as I have access to all available qualifying homes in San Diego County.

Advertisement