InfoBytes Blog
Freddie Mac Supplements Storm Relief Guidance
On December 18, Freddie Mac updated its disaster relief policies through Bulletin 2012-29 (Bulletin). Effective immediately, but only temporarily, servicers must perform one interior disaster-related property inspection for delinquent mortgages secured by properties in eligible disaster areas that have been identified as abandoned as of, or prior to the date of the area being declared an eligible disaster area. Freddie Mac will reimburse servicers up to $20 per property for the additional costs associated with completing the interior inspections. For mortgages secured by properties located in eligible disaster areas, which were reported as current in the most recent reporting cycle just prior to the area being declared an eligible disaster area, Freddie Mac will reimburse servicers up to $10 per property for one exterior property inspection related to the disaster. The Bulletin also provides instructions regarding forbearance plans for borrowers who are or were in approved or active trial period plans and whose property or places of employment are located in an eligible Hurricane Sandy disaster area.