Freddie Mac Updates Single-Family Seller/Servicer Guide

Freddie Mac

On September 15, Freddie Mac released a bulletin updating portions of Single-Family Seller/Servicer Guide (“Guide”) governing foreclosures and foreclosure alternatives. The updates include changes to the loan modification process that will allow mortgagees reimbursement for a broader scope of fees and costs incurred in any loan modification after March 1, 2015 and extending Trial Period Plan timelines for borrowers in bankruptcy who enter a plan on or after November 1, 2014. The bulletin also revises the amount of fees and costs recoverable in foreclosure for claims submitted to Freddie Mac on or after October 20, 2014 and implements a new web-based system for appealing state foreclosure timeline-related compensatory fees. The new appeals system will be made available on October 27, 2014 and will be mandatory as of January 1, 2015. Other changes to the Guide are more fully described in the complete bulletin.