Written by Scott Bird
Today, Fannie Mae expands HomePath® Online Offers nationwide. The system is designed to collect offers and to manage the offer submission process on properties listed on HomePath.com. All offers in every state are now required to be submitted through the HomePath Online Offers system on HomePath.com.
Submit all Fannie Mae offers online at www.homepath.com.
Features
o An easy to use, self-service offer submission system, accessed through HomePath.com
o A transparent offer process that keeps Selling Agents (agents representing buyers) informed of the status of their clients’ offers
o Improved communication between the Selling Agent and the Listing Broker regarding offers
Registration is Required for Selling Agents on HomePath.com
Selling Agents who wish to make an offer on a property are required to have an agent account on HomePath.com. Please refer selling agents to training materials on HomePath Online Offers Resources Page for instructions on submitting their offers or the Online Offers Customer Support Center 1-866-218-4446.
First Look(TM) Initiative
Occupant buyers can have their offers considered before competing with investor offers. You can track the status of the listing period and countdown clock by visiting www.homepath.com. These are the basic guidelines for submitting offers.
o Listing Days 1-3: No Offers Negotiated
o Listing Days 4-15: Negotiate only offers from owner occupant, public entity or designated partner of a public entity.
o Listing Days 16+: First day to enter into negotiations with investors no using public funds.
TIPs for Submitting Complete Offers –
Fannie Mae has strict requirements when negotiating and accepting offers. These tips will help reduce potential problems.
o The local or state-promulgated contract signed by all buyers.
o A completed Fannie Mae Real Estate Purchase Addendum signed by all buyers.
o Prequalification letter required before Fannie Mae can accept the offer, but not required for submission.
o An earnest money deposit (unless waived for public entities). A copy of the check is sufficient for presentation. (Earnest Money must be 10% minimum for CASH offers)
o Owner Occupant Certification Form if buyer intends to occupy property as a primary residence. Must be signed by the occupying buyer, selling agent, and listing agent.
o Fannie Mae does not accept electronic signatures.
Mortgage Prequalification Letter or Proof of Funds
Prequalification includes, but is not limited to, review of:
o A credit bureau report for credit worthiness
o Recent bank statements for verification of sufficient funds for down payment and closing costs
o Most recent paycheck stubs for year-to-date income verification
o Maximum loan qualification based on monthly-income-to-debt ratios
Earnest Money Deposit
Fannie Mae requires evidence of earnest money, such as a copy of the check, accompany the Offer Package. When determining the appropriate earnest money deposit, consider the following criteria:
o The amount is reasonable and customary
o Fannie Mae requires at least 10% (but not less than $1,000) as an earnest money payment on cash transactions.
o Fannie Mae waives earnest money payments for public entities and only requires $500 from owner occupants utilizing NSP funds.
o The earnest money deposit must be made payable to the designated Fannie Mae settlement agent. If the settlement agent does not accept earnest money, then the check is made payable to the listing broker.
o The earnest money is only deposited with a contract fully executed by all parties in accordance to applicable law.
The Utah Real Estate Purchase Contract must include the language-
“Pursuant to Section 28 of the Real Estate Purchase Addendum, this document is subject to all terms and conditions set forth in the Real Estate Purchase Addendum.”
Submit all Fannie Mae offers online at www.homepath.com.
Fannie Mae – Instructions for Submitting Offers