FHFA Announces REO Pilot Program Developments

On July 3, FHFA announced the selection of the winning bidders in its real estate owned (REO) pilot program, with the initial transactions expected to close in the third quarter of 2012. FHFA launched its REO pilot program in February 2012 and bids from qualified investors were sought during the second quarter of the year for roughly 2,500 single-family foreclosed properties held by Fannie Mae. According to FHFA, investors qualified for the bidding process after a rigorous evaluation, considering factors such as their financial strength, asset management experience, property management expertise, and experience in the geographic area of the available properties. In a February 27 press release announcing its REO pilot sales initiative, FHFA identified the locations of the available properties, including the Chicago and Los Angeles metro areas.

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POSTED IN: Federal Issues, Mortgages

Federal Reserve Offers Policy Guidance for REO Rental Programs

On April 5, the FRB released a policy statement that reiterates its general policy that banking organizations should make good faith efforts to dispose of foreclosed properties, also known as REO properties, as soon as practicable. However, under current market conditions, the FRB explains that banking organizations may hold and rent residential REO properties within legal holding-period limits without demonstrating continuous active marketing of the property for sale provided suitable policies and procedures are followed. The guidance offers risk management and compliance considerations for renting REO properties, as well as specific expectations for large-scale REO rental programs. The FRB release also points out that REO rental properties may meet the definition of community development under the Community Revitalization Act (CRA), and, if so, a banking organization would receive favorable CRA consideration.

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