InfoBytes Blog
Freddie Mac Updates Disaster Assistance, Other Servicing Policies
On August 15, Freddie Mac issued Bulletin 2013-15, which updates and revises many of its servicing requirements, including those related to assistance for borrowers impacted by an eligible disaster. With respect to such impacted borrowers, the Bulletin provides updated requirements related to (i) property protection activities, such as ascertaining the extent of the damage, and, if necessary, securing abandoned properties, (ii) managing the delinquency of a borrower whose mortgaged premises or place of employment was impacted by a disaster, (iii) the addition of the new Disaster Relief Modification for Borrowers who were current or less than 31 days delinquent at the time of a disaster, (iv) streamlined modifications for borrowers who were current or less than 31 days delinquent at the time of a disaster, (v) Trial Period Plan eligibility requirements, (vi) insurance loss settlements, and (vi) credit reporting. The Bulletin also instructs servicers to follow applicable state laws when handling Freddie Mac default legal matters (e.g. foreclosure) and adds a new Guide chapter about when servicers should take advantage of state procedures that allow for quickly completing foreclosures. Further, the Bulletin (i) revises requirements for servicemembers and their dependents, (ii) revises property inspection requirements, (iii) revises requirements for the reimbursement of attorney fees and costs related to contested foreclosures and mediation, expenses incurred for title work, and condominium, homeowners association and Planned Unit Development assessments in super lien states, (iv) permanently extends the submission time frame for 104SF claims from 30 days to 45 days, and (v) updates unemployment forbearance requirements.