Fannie Mae & Freddie Mac

Conventional Mortgage Foreclosure: Fannie Mae & Freddie Mac Guidelines

Conventional mortgages — those backed by Fannie Mae or Freddie Mac — follow the GSEs' servicing guidelines which set the rules for foreclosure timelines, loss mitigation, and borrower protections. These are the most common mortgages in America. The key loss mitigation tool is the Flex Modification program. At Dream Financial Management, we help conventional borrowers navigate GSE guidelines and stop foreclosure nationwide since 1994.

Determine Your Investor First

Before pursuing loss mitigation, determine whether your loan is owned by Fannie Mae or Freddie Mac. Use the Fannie Mae Loan Lookup tool (knowyouroptions.com/loanlookup) or Freddie Mac Loan Lookup (sf.freddiemac.com/tools/loanlookup). The GSE owner determines your available options. About 60% of conventional mortgages are GSE-backed.

Conventional Loan Loss Mitigation Options

Flex Modification (Fannie Mae & Freddie Mac)

The primary GSE modification program. Can reduce your monthly payment by 20%. Uses: interest rate reduction, term extension (up to 480 months), principal forbearance. Target: 20% payment reduction. Must be owner-occupied or rental. Trial payment not always required.

Payment Deferral

Past-due amounts moved to end of the loan as a non-interest-bearing balance due at payoff, refinance, or maturity. No modification to loan terms. Ideal if your hardship is resolved and you can resume regular payments.

Short Sale (Fannie Mae Standard / Freddie Mac Standard)

GSE short sales require documented hardship. Relocation assistance varies (historically $3,000-$10,000 under HAFA; programs may vary). Full deficiency waiver standard. Short sale guide →

Deed-in-Lieu (Fannie Mae / Freddie Mac)

Voluntary transfer of property. Standard GSE DIL includes deficiency waiver. Must have attempted short sale first (in most cases). DIL guide →

Conventional Mortgage Foreclosure? We Know GSE Guidelines

Dream Financial Management helps conventional borrowers access Flex Modification, payment deferral, and all GSE loss mitigation options. Since 1994. Free consultation.

FAQ — Conventional Foreclosure

What is the Flex Modification program?
How do I know if Fannie Mae or Freddie Mac owns my loan?
How long does conventional foreclosure take?
Can I get a modification on a conventional investment property?