According to the most recent REALTORS^® Confidence Index, buyers continue to be discouraged with the extended short sale process, which frequently results in foreclosures that could have been prevented.

New resources from the National Association of REALTORS® aim to help you and consumers successfully navigate the short sale process to help more home owners avoid foreclosure.

“Our members report that short sales are often riddled with delays and red tape,” said NAR President Vicki Cox Golder. “NAR has worked tirelessly to provide REALTORS® with the resources they need to navigate short sale transactions, as well as provide guidance on helpful government programs designed for home owners facing the process.”

On April 5, 2010, the U.S. government will implement the Home Affordable Foreclosure Alternatives Program (HAFA). Part of the Home Affordable Modification Program, HAFA helps home owners who are unable to retain their home under HAMP by simplifying and streamlining the use of short sales and deeds-in-lieu of foreclosures. Home owners must meet certain requirements to participate, and incentive payments are provided to home owners and servicers.

To help REALTORS® understand HAFA and its guidelines, NAR has released a brochure about the Home Affordable Foreclosure Alternatives Program and additional resources online, including government forms and guidelines, a video explaining the new federal guidelines, and frequently asked questions.

Designed to help you explain the new program to home owners, NAR’s HAFA resources explain how the program aims to streamline short sales and, in the process, save more families from foreclosure.