What are the HAFA rules re real estate commissions?
The guidance states that a servicer may not require a reduction in the real estate commission below the amount stated in the Short Sale Agreement. The SSA states that the servicer will pay the commission as stated in the listing agreement, up to 6%. If the servicer has retained a vendor to assist the listing broker, the vendor must be paid a specified amount from the commission. Neither buyers not sellers may earn a commission in connection with the short sale, even if they are licensed real estate brokers or agents. They may not have any side deals to receive commission indirectly.
