Mortgage giants Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac announced an extension of their “first look” programs, granting buyers seeking a primary residence a full 20 days to submit offers on REO properties ahead of investor competition.
Previously, the First Look period was 15 days long. Freddie Mac’s program operates under HomeSteps First Look initiative and Fannie Mae’s version operates under the HomePath system. The expanded 20-day program took effect for HomeStep listings on or after Dec. 17. Fannie Mae’s First Look HomePath program is effective for properties listed on or after Jan. 2, 2014.
The programs are designed to promote owner-occupancy in communities, which the mortgage giants believe contributes to neighborhood stabilization. Some second home purchases are also eligible for HomeSteps First Look program. However, purchases of investments or rental properties are not eligible.
“This is especially important for buyers competing for opportunities in markets where home inventories are shrinking,” says Chris Bowden, senior vice president of HomeSteps. “Expanding the HomeSteps First Look Initiative underscores our commitment to managing HomeSteps' REO inventory in a way that's good for taxpayers, homebuyers, neighborhoods, and Freddie Mac."
Freddie Mac and Fannie Mae offer a 30-day bidding window for buyers in Nevada, a state that has one of the highest foreclosure rates in the country.