[Federal Register Volume 81, Number 155 (Thursday, August 11, 2016)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 52998-53003]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2016-19132]



[[Page 52998]]

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DEPARTMENT OF HOUSING AND URBAN DEVELOPMENT

24 CFR Part 291

[Docket No. FR-5776-F-02]
RIN 2502-AJ32


Disposition of HUD-Acquired Single Family Properties; Updating 
HUD's Single Family Property Disposition Regulations

AGENCY: Office of the Assistant Secretary for Housing-Federal Housing 
Commissioner, HUD.

ACTION: Final rule.

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SUMMARY: This final rule revises HUD's property disposition 
regulations. Specifically, this rule consolidates and reorganizes these 
regulations to better reflect industry standards, and allow HUD to 
conduct its Single Family Property Disposition Program more efficiently 
and effectively so that HUD can obtain the greatest value for its real 
estate-owned (REO) properties in different market conditions. This 
final rule follows publication of the October 2, 2015, proposed rule 
and, after considering public comments submitted in response to the 
proposed rule, adopts the proposed rule with minor change.

DATES: Effective Date: September 12, 2016.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Thomas Kumi, Director, Single Family 
Asset Management and Disposition Division, Office of Single Family 
Housing, Department of Housing and Urban Development, 451 7th Street 
SW., Room 9172, Washington, DC 20410-8000, telephone number 202-708-
1672 (this is not a toll-free number). Persons with hearing or speech 
impairments may access this number through TTY by calling the Federal 
Relay Service at 800-877-8339 (this is a toll-free number).

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

I. Background

    Section 204(g) of the National Housing Act (12 U.S.C. 1710g) 
addresses the management and disposition of HUD-acquired single-family 
properties, which includes HUD-acquired real and personal property 
assets. HUD's implementing regulations are codified in 24 CFR part 291. 
Under this statutory and regulatory authority, HUD is charged with 
carrying out a program of sales of HUD-acquired and owned properties, 
along with appropriate credit terms and standards to be used in 
carrying out the program. Property owned by HUD as a result of 
acquisition includes REO properties. The goals of HUD's Single Family 
Property Disposition Program are to reduce the inventory of single-
family properties in a manner that minimizes losses to the Mutual 
Mortgage Insurance Fund (MMIF); promote the expansion of homeownership 
opportunities for American families by, among other things, selling 
such properties at a discount to State and local governments and HUD-
approved nonprofit entities; and help stabilize distressed communities.
    Following the economic and housing crises that began in 2008, the 
Federal Housing Administration (FHA) determined that it needed to 
revise, consolidate, and reorganize its property disposition 
regulations so that they better reflect industry standards, provide 
greater efficiency in the administration of HUD's property disposition 
program, and, ultimately, provide HUD the ability to obtain the 
greatest value for its REO properties in different market conditions. 
As a result, on October 2, 2015 (80 FR 59690), HUD published a rule 
that proposed certain changes to part 291. Specifically, HUD proposed 
the following changes:
    1. Ownership and Disposition Authority. HUD proposed revising the 
heading of part 291 from ``Disposition of HUD-Acquired Single Family 
Property'' to ``Disposition of HUD-Acquired and -Owned Single Family 
Property'' to reflect that HUD not only receives REO properties, but 
also holds and maintains them throughout the disposition process. For 
similar reasons, HUD proposed amending Sec.  291.1(a) and Sec.  291.90 
to, respectively, reference HUD's authority to acquire and possess 
properties and prescribe methods of sale and disposal of properties.
    2. Appraisal of HUD REO Properties. HUD proposed amending Sec.  
291.100(b) to clarify that the list price for HUD REO properties may be 
established utilizing one or more evaluation tools. In addition to 
aligning requirements for REO appraisers with requirements for 
appraisers found in 24 CFR part 200, subpart G, to ensure consistency, 
the rule proposed expanding valuation methods available to include 
alternative methods commonly used in the real estate industry, such as 
Broker Price Opinions (BPO) \1\ and Automated Valuation Models 
(AVM).\2\
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    \1\ A Broker's Price Opinion (BPO) is the process a hired sales 
agent utilizes to determine the selling price of a real estate 
property. BPOs are popularly used in situations where lenders and 
mortgage companies believe the expense and delay of an appraisal to 
determine the value of properties is unnecessary. See https://www.brokerpriceopinion.com.
    \2\ Automated valuation model (AVM) is the name given to a 
service that can provide real estate property valuations using 
mathematical modeling combined with a database. Most AVMs calculate 
a property's value at a specific point in time by analyzing values 
of comparable properties. Some also take into account previous 
surveyor valuations, historical house price movements, and user 
inputs (e.g., number of bedrooms, property improvements). 
Appraisers, investment professionals, and lending institutions use 
AVM technology in their analysis of residential property. It is a 
technology-driven report. The product of an automated valuation 
technology comes from analysis of public record data and computer 
decision logic combined to provide a calculated estimate of a 
probable selling price of a residential property.
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    3. Escrow Amount Required for Properties Needing Repairs. HUD 
proposed increasing to $10,000 the maximum amount that buyers would be 
required to place into escrow for repairs in order to qualify for FHA 
mortgage insurance on properties that do not meet FHA's Minimum 
Property Standards. In addition, to ensure that HUD can keep this 
amount updated, HUD proposed a provision that would allow HUD to 
increase or decrease the repair escrow based on changes to the Consumer 
Price Index \3\ by issuing a Federal Register notice for comment.
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    \3\ The Consumer Price Index (CPI) is prepared by the Department 
of Labor's Bureau of Labor Statistics and is a measure of the 
average change over time in the prices paid by urban consumers for a 
market basket of consumer goods and services. For more information, 
see http://stats.bls.gov/cpi/home.htm.
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    4. Listings. HUD proposed amending Sec.  291.100(h) to clarify that 
HUD has the statutory authority to allow for a number of listings 
options. Specifically, in addition to asset management and listing 
contracts, HUD proposed providing that it may dispose of properties 
using any use method that the Secretary deems appropriate. In addition, 
HUD proposed revising Sec.  291.100(h)(2)(ii) to require the 
purchaser's broker to submit bids through HUD's designated electronic 
bid system rather than through the exclusive broker.
    5. Settlement Cost Assistance Available to Owner-Occupant 
Purchasers. HUD proposed removing HUD's obligation to pay the broker's 
sales commission and clarifying that settlement cost assistance is only 
available to owner-occupant purchasers and not investor purchasers.
    6. Bidding Process for Competitive Sales. HUD's October 2, 2015, 
rule proposed updating the bidding process established under the 
competitive sales procedures in Sec.  291.205. Specifically, HUD 
proposed revising Sec.  291.205(k) to provide for winning bids to be 
made available publicly rather than making them available for 
inspection at a time and place designated by the HUD local office. In 
addition, the rule proposed specifying that winning bidders may be 
notified by their brokers using

[[Page 52999]]

electronic mail and that an executed sales contract will be deemed 
final when, after being signed by both parties, the executed contract 
is sent by email rather than via postal service delivery to the 
successful bidder.
    7. Good Neighbor Next Door (GNND). Finally, HUD proposed revising 
the GNND program to provide that law enforcement officers, similar to 
teachers and firefighters, live in the areas they serve.

II. This Final Rule

    This final rule follows publication of the October 2, 2015, 
proposed rule and takes into consideration the public comments received 
on the proposed rule. The public comment period on the proposed rule 
closed on December 1, 2015, and HUD received six comments. The 
commenters were from a retail home mortgage lender, an organization of 
professional real property appraisers, an organization that provides 
appraisals, and members of the public. This section of this preamble 
presents a summary of the public comments received on the proposed 
rule, and HUD's responses to the comments. After considering these 
comments, HUD has decided to adopt the final rule as final with no 
substantive changes.
    Comment: Limiting settlement cost assistance to owner-occupied 
purchasers will limit broker participation in the REO program. A 
commenter states that the proposal at Sec.  291.205(b) to remove HUD's 
obligation to pay the broker's sales commission would be a major shift 
from the real estate industry. The commenter describes the current 
process of selling HUD homes as very similar to the traditional real 
estate market. According to the commenter, HUD's proposal would require 
that the sales broker ask the buyer to pay commission. This would 
create a significant difference between the sale and disposition of HUD 
homes and traditional sales of real estate and would likely deter real 
estate brokers from participating in the HUD sales process. The 
commenter also states that such a change would be unique to the HUD 
property disposition program and not in conformance with industry 
standards. The commenter suggests an alternative to address commission 
payouts; specifically, that HUD pay commissions based on the net sales 
price (Net-to-HUD). According to the commenter, this is a common and 
accepted practice in the real estate industry and would save hundreds 
of dollars per transaction and support HUD's goals of reducing 
inventory and minimizing losses.
    HUD Response: The provision in the rule codifies that not all REO 
property sales transactions are sold through brokers (e.g., auctions, 
third-party sales at foreclosure, direct sales and, as such, HUD will 
not pay a commission to brokers for sale transactions that do not 
involve a real estate broker. For transactions that involve the 
services of a broker, HUD will pay for services commensurate with the 
services obtained. For example, for properties that involve a listing 
and selling agent, HUD will continue to pay brokers a commission of up 
to 6 percent to market and sell the HUD REO property. Alternately, if a 
property is being sold through an auction at a pre-foreclosure sale, 
then HUD will not pay a real estate broker commission. The auction 
company markets the property and its fee is usually paid as part of the 
insurance claim.
    Comment: HUD's selection of certain agencies to sell properties and 
provide appraisals does not provide HUD the greatest value for the 
properties. A commenter states that the entities with which HUD 
contracts for the sale of properties and for appraisals of these 
properties use favoritism in selecting agencies to sell the properties 
and provide the appraisals. According to the commenter, these practices 
do not benefit HUD in acquiring the greatest value for properties. The 
commenter recommends that HUD establish a cap that limits acquisition 
opportunities with these preferred groups, such that it would allow 
disposition through other agencies and a broader utility of approved 
appraisers. This, according to the commenter, would provide HUD a 
marked increase in return on REO properties.
    HUD Response: HUD disagrees with the commenter. HUD selects its 
Asset Manager contractors through a competitive bidding process. HUD 
does not participate and is not privy to an Asset Manger's selection of 
its subcontractors, including appraisers. In addition, for Fiscal Years 
(FY) 2013, 2014, and 2015, HUD received an average of 90 percent of 
appraisal value for its single-family REO properties. This is a clear 
indication that the selection criteria used by HUD Asset Manager for 
selecting appraisers maximizes the recovery rates on HUD single- family 
REO properties.
    Comment: State law may limit real estate licensees from preforming 
a BPO to value the property. A commenter states that Pennsylvania 
prohibits real estate licensees from performing a BPO under their 
licenses if they are not separately licensed as an appraiser. According 
to the commenter, all that an agent can perform in Pennsylvania is a 
Competitive Market Analysis (CMA). As a result, the proposed rule would 
bar HUD or HUD Asset Managers in Pennsylvania from paying a fee to a 
sales agent for a BPO unless that agent was also a licensed appraiser. 
The commenter also suggests that other States may have similar 
prohibitions.
    HUD Response: The provision in the rule codifies that HUD may 
utilize one or more valuation tools to determine the list price on its 
REO single-family properties. The specific services requested will be 
ordered only if permitted by State law. For example, if BPOs are not 
permitted to be performed by a broker, an AVM, CMA, appraisal, or BPO 
performed by an appraiser may be ordered by HUD's Asset Manager to 
establish the list price on an REO property.
    Comment: HUD should allow servicers to participate in second chance 
Claims Without Conveyance of Title program. A commenter recommends, 
based on HUD's goal to reduce its REO inventory, that HUD consider 
allowing servicers to participate in a second chance program for their 
properties in post-sale that may not have been part of the Claims 
Without Conveyance of Title (CWCOT) program at the time of the 
foreclosure sale. The commenter states that its understanding is that 
unless loans were part of the original CWCOT program, they cannot be 
considered for second chance auction. The commenter requests that HUD 
reconsider this and believes that offering this opportunity to 
servicers will assist in meeting HUD's goal of reducing inventory and 
minimizing losses. According to the commenter, such a change would also 
reduce HUD staffing and contract expenses, and would benefit 
communities and tax authorities, which would see a positive benefit as 
homes would be reoccupied more quickly, properties better maintained, 
and taxes and HOA and condominium fees paid. The commenter also states 
that this would also reduce the servicer's labor costs and out of 
pocket expenses.
    HUD Response: HUD appreciates the commenter's recommendation; 
however, this rule does not affect CWCOT procedures. Rather, Mortgagee 
Letter 2014-24, Increasing Use of FHA's Claims Without Conveyance of 
Title (CWCOT) Procedures,\4\ establishes the criteria for post-
foreclosure, second chance sales efforts. The Mortgagee Letter provides 
mortgagees with

[[Page 53000]]

instructions on accessing and utilizing the Commissioner's Adjusted 
Fair Market Value, which must be used for all foreclosure sales and 
post-foreclosure sales efforts. The mortgagee must determine the 
competitive and non-competitive Commissioner's Adjusted Fair Market 
Value (CAFMV) at the same time. Essentially, in the event a property 
does not sell to a third party at the foreclosure sale, mortgagees may 
pursue additional sales efforts (and may utilize independent third-
party providers to conduct such sales) prior to making a final decision 
to convey the property to HUD. A mortgagee's decision to pursue 
additional sales efforts, subsequent to the foreclosure sale, does not 
relieve the mortgagee of its responsibility to convey a property to HUD 
within the required timeframe stated in Sec.  203.359, unless a sales 
contract has been ratified. Where a sales contract has been ratified, 
the mortgagee will be granted a 30-day extension of the deadline for 
conveyance. As such, the Department encourages mortgagees to pursue 
additional sales efforts concurrently with their preconveyance 
processes to ensure that, in the event conveyance is necessary, the 
mortgagee is able to fully comply with FHA's conveyance timeframe. In 
the event a non-competitive CAFMV is used for the foreclosure sale, as 
in some judicial states, the competitive CAFMV value may be utilized 
for the post-foreclosure sales effort, if the requirements for 
competitive post-foreclosure sales are met.
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    \4\ Mortgagee Letter 2014-24 is available at http://portal.hud.gov/hudportal/documents/huddoc?id=14-24ml.pdf.
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    Comment: HUD needs to adopt a direct conveyance model. A commenter 
expresses support for HUD's proposed rule, stating that the changes 
will equip HUD with additional tools necessary to increase the 
efficiency and effectiveness of its REO sales program and that the 
changes to HUD REO property appraisals and maximum escrow amounts for 
properties needing repairs will bring FHA practices a step closer to 
conformance with industry standards. The commenter states, however, 
that until FHA adopts a direct conveyance model, both its REO sales 
process and broader property preservation policy will continue to lag 
behind industry standards. Specifically, the commenter states that 
while creating and implementing a direct conveyance model is a 
significant undertaking, such a model would expand the same benefits 
HUD claims the proposed changes will confer on the market: FHA will be 
able to move properties to REO more quickly, at a reduced cost, while 
increasing the value of the MMIF. Ultimately, FHA will gain more 
flexibility in selling properties in ``as-is'' condition. The commenter 
states, however, that the changes proposed by this rule represent first 
steps toward such a model.
    HUD Response: HUD appreciates the commenter's support of the 
changes proposed by HUD, but disagrees that HUD needs a direct 
conveyance model to increase the efficiency and effectiveness of its 
REO sales program. FHA does not buy, sell, or securitize FHA loans and, 
as such, does not own a loan secured by an FHA mortgage on the 
foreclosure sales date. A direct conveyance model does not ensure that 
HUD has marketable title on a property insured by an FHA mortgage at 
the foreclosure sale or the property does not have damages that should 
be repaired by the lender prior to conveyance.
    If a property is not sold to a third party at the foreclosure sale, 
the lender obtains title. Once the lender ascertains that it has 
marketable title and the property is in conveyance condition, the 
lender files a claim for insurance benefits and the deed is recorded in 
HUD's name. HUD's current conveyance model provides HUD with reasonable 
assurance that there are no encumbrances to a conveyed property that 
will prevent HUD from efficiently and effectively maintaining and 
marketing an REO property until it is sold.
    Comment: BPOs are unregulated and performed by individuals with 
little oversight or training and HUD should require one independent 
appraisal. A commenter, focusing on Sec.  291.100(b), cautions that 
BPOs are largely unregulated and are performed with little oversight 
and training. More specifically, the commenter states that BPO 
preparers have little valuation-specific education, training, and 
testing requirements, and do not adhere to generally accepted valuation 
standards. The commenter also states that AVMs are essentially 
statistical algorithms, reliant on public record data, which are often 
outdated and/or inaccurate. According to the commenter, AVMs are also 
historically weak in nonconforming markets, as individual property and 
local market conditions are largely overlooked. As a result, the 
commenter states that HUD should require at least one independent 
appraisal. This, according to the commenter, would be generally 
consistent with requirements imposed by Federal bank regulatory 
agencies, which require a current appraisal or evaluation for REO 
purposes.
    HUD Response: HUD disagrees. Most sellers do not obtain an 
appraisal to determine the list price of their properties. Generally, 
the listing agent prepares a CMA. Currently, HUD orders an appraisal as 
a valuation tool in determining the list price of its REO properties. 
The appraisal is not always the sole basis of determining the list 
price. This final rule provides HUD with the flexibility of using one 
or more other valuation tools to establish the list price on its REO 
single-family properties. Since the competitive market ultimately 
determines the sales price for HUD REO properties in markets where the 
AVM, BPOs, etc., values have historically been within a relevant range 
of appraisal values HUD may determine that it is not cost beneficial 
for HUD to order appraisals for establishing the list prices.
    Comment: Independent appraisals are essential to protecting the 
taxpayer and the MMIF. The commenter also states that the use of an 
independent appraisal will protect taxpayers from distressed sales 
below market value and help ensure that local communities do not have 
properties dumped on the market at below market prices. According to 
the commenter, quality appraisals are essential if HUD plans to reduce 
the inventory of single-family properties in a manner that minimizes 
losses to the MMIF. The commenter recommends that the final rule 
include a basic requirement for at least one appraisal prepared for REO 
purposes to protect taxpayers and local communities.
    HUD Response: HUD disagrees with the commenter. As HUD states in 
response to an earlier comment, most sellers do not obtain an appraisal 
to determine the list price of their properties. This final rule 
provides HUD with the flexibility of using one or more other valuation 
tools to establish the list price on its REO single-family properties. 
Since, the competitive market ultimately determines the sales price for 
HUD REO properties, in markets where the AVM, BPOs, etc., values have 
historically been within a relevant range of appraisal values, HUD may 
determine that it is not cost beneficial for HUD to order appraisals 
for establishing the list prices. Properties that are security for 
mortgages to be insured by FHA are appraised to protect the insurance 
funds. In neighborhoods where FHA has insured a significant number of 
mortgages, there is an incidental benefit of preventing strategic 
default based on inflated values. Additionally, as a by-product, HUD's 
strategic goal of strengthening the nation's housing market to bolster 
the economy and protect consumers is advanced.
    Comment: HUD should require two value opinions in the case of a

[[Page 53001]]

disposition. The commenter also states that in the case of a 
disposition, HUD would benefit from obtaining two value opinions from 
real estate appraisal professionals; one for the current market value 
and one for the property's liquidation value. According to the 
commenter, such appraisals are common throughout the real estate sector 
and can be capably prepared by residential appraisal professionals. The 
commenter suggests that the Liquidation Value Addendum, published by 
the Appraisal Institute, would help HUD understand the range of risk 
exposure, with the liquidation value helping to illustrate the worst 
case scenario. The commenter states that such services would provide 
cost-effective alternatives to less credible services such as AVMs and 
BPOs. The commenter also recommends that, if HUD is not utilizing them 
today, it considers doing so before turning to less credible 
alternatives.
    HUD Response: HUD disagrees. As HUD states in response to an 
earlier comment, for FY 2013, FY 2014, and FY 2015, HUD's average sales 
price as a percentage of appraised value was 90 percent. HUD believes 
that ordering a Liquidation Value Addendum from an appraiser as an 
additional cost is not cost effective. A liquation value is often 
obtained from the listing agent through a CMA as part of the listing 
broker commission to support price adjustments.
    BPOs, CMAs, and AVMs are widely used by various market 
participants. HUD believes that when two or more of these valuation 
tools are within a relevant range, the values are generally regarded as 
reliable.
    Currently, HUD orders an appraisal as a valuation tool in 
determining the list price of its REO properties. The appraisal is not 
always the sole basis of determining the list price. The rule provides 
HUD with the flexibility of using one or more other valuation tools to 
establish the list price on its REO single-family properties. Since, 
the competitive market ultimately determines the sales price for HUD 
REO properties, in markets where the AVM, BPO, etc., values have 
historically been within a relevant range of appraisal values, HUD may 
determine that it is not cost beneficial for HUD to order appraisals 
for purposes of establishing the list prices.
    Comment: HUD should expand the list of valuation services 
available. Finally, the commenter recommends that, HUD should insist on 
expanding the range of valuation services available to the agency, the 
list be expanded to include nontraditional valuation services performed 
by real estate appraisers that are commonly utilized in asset 
management and disposition. That list, according to the commenter, 
should include, at a minimum, opinions of market value and liquidation 
or disposition value by appraisers, drive-by appraisals, and desktop 
appraisals, in addition to interior inspection appraisals. According to 
the commenter, this would provide HUD with the full range of valuation 
services that are available in the conventional market.
    HUD Response: The final rule provides examples of valuation methods 
that may be used. The list is not all-inclusive and enables HUD to use 
valuations tools that are currently in existence or that are developed 
in the future, as appropriate.

III. Findings and Certifications

Executive Order 12866 and Executive Order 13563

    Under Executive Order 12866 (Regulatory Planning and Review), a 
determination must be made whether a regulatory action is significant 
and therefore subject to review by the Office of Management and Budget 
(OMB) in accordance with the requirements of the order. Executive Order 
13563 (Improving Regulations and Regulatory Review) directs executive 
agencies to analyze regulations that are ``outmoded, ineffective, 
insufficient, or excessively burdensome, and to modify, streamline, 
expand, or repeal them in accordance with what has been learned.
    The majority of the changes made by this final rule streamline 
HUD's property disposition program by bringing its practices into 
conformance with industry standards and allowing HUD to administer its 
Single Family Property Disposition Program more efficiently and more 
effectively. These changes do not create additional significant burdens 
for the public. As a result, this rule was determined to not be a 
significant regulatory action under section 3(f) of Executive Order 
12866, Regulatory Planning and Review, and therefore was not reviewed 
by OMB.

Regulatory Flexibility Act

    The Regulatory Flexibility Act (RFA) (5 U.S.C. 601 et seq.) 
generally requires an agency to conduct a regulatory flexibility 
analysis of any rule subject to notice and comment rulemaking 
requirements unless the agency certifies that the rule will not have a 
significant economic impact on a substantial number of small entities. 
This final rule does not have a significant economic impact on a 
substantial number of small entities. HUD defines ``small supervised 
lenders'' as those depository institutions that are regulated by the 
Federal Reserve, the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency, the 
Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation, or the National Credit Union 
Administration, and which have a depository asset base of less than 
$500 million.\5\
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    \5\ Of HUD's 1,459 supervised lenders, 598 are considered, by 
HUD, to be ``small supervised lenders.''
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    This rule final rule codifies changes to the administration of 
HUD's property disposition and acquisition activities carried out as 
part of the FHA insurance program for one-to-four family homes. These 
changes include limiting the provision of settlement cost assistance to 
owner-occupants, providing HUD flexibility to run the bidding process 
for REO properties, changes to the direct sales process, additional 
flexibility to list properties electronically, changes to the required 
escrow amount for purchasers obtaining property not meeting HUD's 
property standards, and clarifications in the rule governing HUD's 
appraisal process. These changes streamline HUD's administration of its 
Single Family Property Disposition Program and reflect industry 
practice. For these reasons, HUD has determined that this final rule 
does not have a significant economic impact on a substantial number of 
small entities.

Paperwork Reduction Act

    The information collection requirements contained in this final 
rule have been approved by OMB under the Paperwork Reduction Act of 
1995 (44 U.S.C. 3501-3520) and assigned OMB control number 2502-0306. 
In accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act, an agency may not 
conduct or sponsor, and a person is not required to respond to, a 
collection of information unless the collection displays a currently 
valid OMB control number.

Environmental Impact

    A Finding of No Significant Impact (FONSI) with respect to 
environment has been made at the proposed rule stage in accordance with 
HUD regulations at 24 CFR part 50, which implement section 102(2)(C) of 
National Environmental Policy Act (42 U.S.C. 4332(2)(C)). The FONSI 
remains applicable to this final rule and is available for public 
inspection between the hours of 8 a.m. and 5 p.m., weekdays, in the 
Regulations Division, Office of General Counsel, Department of Housing 
and Urban Development, 451 7th Street SW., Room 10276, Washington, DC 
20410. Due to security

[[Page 53002]]

measures at the HUD Headquarters building, please schedule an 
appointment to review the FONSI by calling the Regulations Division at 
202-708-3055 (this is not a toll-free number). Individuals with speech 
or hearing impairments may access this number via TTY by calling the 
Federal Relay Service at 800-877-8339 (this is a toll-free number).

Executive Order 13132, Federalism

    Executive Order 13132 (entitled ``Federalism'') prohibits an agency 
from publishing any rule that has federalism implications if the rule 
either (i) imposes substantial direct compliance costs on State and 
local governments and is not required by statute or (ii) preempts State 
law, unless the agency meets the consultation and funding requirements 
of section 6 of the Executive order. This final rule does not have 
federalism implications and does not impose substantial direct 
compliance costs on State and local governments or preempt State law 
within the meaning of the Executive order.

Unfunded Mandates Reform Act

    Title II of the Unfunded Mandates Reform Act of 1995 (2 U.S.C. 
1531-1538) (UMRA) establishes requirements for Federal agencies to 
assess the effects of their regulatory actions on State, local, and 
tribal governments, and on the private sector. This final rule does not 
impose any Federal mandates on any State, local, or tribal governments, 
or on the private sector, within the meaning of the UMRA.

List of Subjects in 24 CFR Part 291

    Community facilities, Conflict of interests, Homeless, Lead 
poisoning, Low and moderate income housing, Mortgages, Reporting and 
recordkeeping requirements, Surplus government property.

    Accordingly, for the reasons stated in the preamble above, HUD 
amends 24 CFR part 291 as follows:

PART 291--DISPOSITION OF HUD-ACQUIRED AND -OWNED SINGLE FAMILY 
PROPERTY

0
1. The authority citation for part 291 continues to read as follows:

    Authority: 12 U.S.C. 1701 et seq., 42 U.S.C. 1441, 1441a, 1551a 
and 3535(d)


0
2. Revise the heading of part 291 to read as set forth above.

0
3. Revise Sec.  291.1(a)(1) to read as follows:


Sec.  291.1   Purpose and general requirements.

    (a) * * *
    (1) This part governs the acquisition, possession, and disposition 
of one-to-four family properties acquired by the Federal Housing 
Administration (FHA) through foreclosure of an insured or Secretary-
held mortgage or loan under the National Housing Act, or acquired by 
HUD under section 204(g) of the National Housing Act (12 U.S.C. 
1710(g)). HUD will issue detailed policies and procedures that must be 
followed in specific areas.
* * * * *

0
4. Amend Sec.  291.5 by removing paragraph (a) and the introductory 
text of paragraph (b), adding introductory text to the section, and 
adding alphabetically the definition of ``Secretary'' as follows:


Sec.  291.5  Definitions.

    Terms used in this part are defined as follows:
* * * * *
    Secretary is defined in 24 CFR 5.100.
* * * * *

0
5. Amend Sec.  291.90 by revising the introductory text to read as 
follows:


Sec.  291.90  Sales methods.

    In accordance with section 204(g) of the National Housing Act (12 
U.S.C. 1710(g)), HUD will prescribe the terms and conditions for all 
methods of sale. HUD may dispose of assets using any method that the 
Secretary deems appropriate, including, but not limited to the 
following:
* * * * *

0
6. Amend Sec.  291.100 by revising the section heading and paragraphs 
(b), (c), (d), and (h) to read as follows:


Sec.  291.100  General policy on HUD acquisition, ownership, and 
disposition of real estate assets.

* * * * *
    (b) List price. The list price, or ``asking price,'' assigned to 
the property is based upon one or more evaluation tools (e.g., 
appraisal, Broker Price Opinion, Automated Valuation Model). An 
appraisal, when used, must be conducted by an independent real estate 
appraiser who meets all of the requirements of 24 CFR part 200, subpart 
G, and is in good standing on the appraiser roster established under 
that section. The appraiser must provide an opinion of the ``as-is'' 
market value using a valuation method that is commonly employed in the 
industry and that is consistent with FHA appraisal requirements.
    (c) Insurance. When listing properties, HUD may elect to include 
information to indicate whether the property is eligible for FHA-
insured financing under section 203(B) of the National Housing Act (12 
U.S.C. 1709(b)).
    (d) Financing. (1) Subject to underwriting requirements, REO 
properties that have not been identified as uninsurable in accordance 
with paragraph (c) of this section can be purchased and financed with a 
mortgage insured under section 203(b) or 203(k) of the National Housing 
Act (12 U.S.C. 1709(b), 1709(k)), if supported by an FHA appraisal, in 
one of the following ways:
    (i) Insured. A property that meets the Minimum Property Standards 
(MPS), as defined in HUD Handbook 4905.1 or any successor handbook, as 
determined by the Secretary, for existing dwellings will be offered for 
sale in ``as-is'' condition with FHA mortgage insurance available as 
provided in part 203 of this chapter.
    (ii) Insured with repair escrow. (A) A property that requires no 
more than $10,000 for repairs to meet the MPS, as defined in HUD 
Handbook 4905.1 or any successor handbook, as determined by the 
Secretary, will be offered for sale in ``as-is'' condition with FHA 
mortgage insurance available, as provided in part 203 of this chapter, 
provided the mortgagor establishes a cash escrow to ensure the 
completion of the required repairs.
    (B) Changes in repair escrow. HUD may adjust the escrow balance 
required under this paragraph based on changes to the Consumer Price 
Index by publishing a Federal Register notice that provides for a 
public comment period of 30 calendar days for the purpose of accepting 
comments on the amount of the change. After comments have been 
considered, HUD will publish a final notice announcing the revised 
escrow amounts.
    (iii) Insured with rehabilitation loan in accordance with section 
203(k) of the National Housing Act and pursuant to Sec.  203.50 of this 
chapter.
    (2) REO properties that have been identified as uninsurable in 
accordance with paragraph (c) of this section can be purchased and 
financed with a mortgage insured under section 203(k) of the National 
Housing Act (12 U.S.C. 1709(k)), subject to underwriting requirements 
supported by an FHA-specified appraisal and in accordance with 24 CFR 
203.50.
    (3) HUD, in its sole discretion and subject to appropriations, may 
take back Purchase Money Mortgages (PMMs) on property purchased by 
governmental entities or private nonprofit organizations who buy 
property for ultimate resale to owner-occupant purchasers with incomes 
at or below 115 percent of the area median income.

[[Page 53003]]

When offered by HUD, a PMM will be available in an amount determined by 
the Secretary to be appropriate, at market rate interest, for a period 
not to exceed 5 years. Mortgagors must meet FHA mortgage credit 
standards.
    (i) For purposes of this section, the term ``purchase money 
mortgage,'' or PMM means a note secured by a mortgage or trust deed 
given by a buyer, as mortgagor, to the seller, as mortgagee, as part of 
the purchase price of the real estate.
    (ii) Except as provided in paragraph (d)(3) of this section, the 
purchaser is entirely responsible for obtaining financing for 
purchasing a property.
* * * * *
    (h) Any real estate broker who has agreed to comply with HUD 
requirements may be eligible to participate in the sales program. 
Purchasers participating in the competitive sales program, except 
government entities and nonprofit organizations, must submit bids 
through a participating broker. In accordance with section 204(g) of 
the National Housing Act (12 U.S.C. 1710(g)), HUD will prescribe the 
terms and conditions for all methods of listing properties. HUD may 
dispose of properties using any method that the Secretary deems 
appropriate, including, but not limited to the following:
    (1) Open listings. Properties may be sold on an open listing basis 
with participating real estate brokers.
    (2) Asset management and listing contracts. (i) HUD may invite 
firms experienced in property management to compete for contracts that 
provide for an exclusive right to manage and list specified properties 
in a given area.
    (ii) In areas where a broker has an exclusive right to list 
properties, a purchaser may use a broker of his or her choice. The 
purchaser's broker must submit the bid through HUD's designated 
electronic bid system.

0
7. Amend Sec.  291.205 by revising the introductory text and paragraphs 
(b), (k)(1), (k)(2), and (l) to read as follows:


Sec.  291.205   Competitive sales of individual properties.

    When HUD conducts competitive sales of individual properties to 
individual buyers, it will generally sell the properties on an ``as-
is'' basis, without repairs or warranties, and it will follow the sales 
procedures provided in this section.
* * * * *
    (b) Net offer. (1) The net offer is calculated by subtracting from 
the bid price the dollar amounts for the financing and loan closing 
costs and the broker's sales commission, as described in paragraph 
(b)(2) of this section.
    (2) If an owner-occupant purchaser of the property requests in the 
bid, HUD may pay all or a portion of the financing and loan closing 
costs, not to exceed the percentage of the purchase price determined 
appropriate by the Secretary for the area. In no event will the total 
amount for broker's sales commission exceed 6 percent of the purchase 
price, except for cash bonuses offered to brokers by HUD for the sale 
of hard-to-sell properties. No assistance for financing and loan 
closing costs or for the broker's sales commission will be provided to 
investor purchasers.
    (k) * * *
    (1) The Secretary will make all winning bids available publicly.
    (2) Successful bidders will be notified through their real estate 
brokers by electronic mail, mail, telephone, or other means. Acceptance 
of a bid is final and effective only upon HUD's execution of the sales 
contract, signed by both the submitting real estate broker and the 
prospective purchaser, and sending a copy of the executed contract by 
electronic mail to the successful bidder or the bidder's agent.
    (l) Counteroffers. HUD may present counteroffers during competitive 
bid periods, as it deems appropriate to minimize losses to its 
insurance fund. ``Best and Final'' offers requested by HUD are 
considered counteroffers.

0
8. Revise Sec.  291.500 to read as follows:


Sec.  291.500   Purpose.

    This subpart describes the policies and procedures governing the 
Good Neighbor Next Door (GNND) Sales Program. The purpose of the GNND 
Sales Program is to improve the quality of life in distressed urban 
communities. This is to be accomplished by encouraging law enforcement 
officers, teachers, and firefighters/emergency medical technicians to 
purchase and live in homes that are located in the same communities 
where they perform their daily responsibilities and duties.

0
9. Revise Sec.  291.505 to read as follows:


Sec.  291.505  Definitions.

    For purposes of this subpart:
    Locality means the community, neighborhood, or jurisdiction of the 
unit of general local government, or Indian tribal government;
    Unit of general local government means a county or parish, city, 
town, township, or other political subdivision of a State.

0
10. Amend Sec.  291.520 by removing ``and'' from the end of paragraph 
(a), removing the period and adding ``;and'' in its place at the end of 
paragraph (b), and adding paragraph (c) to read as follows:


Sec.  291.520   Eligible law enforcement officers.

* * * * *
    (c) The full-time employment in paragraph (a) of this section must, 
in the normal course of business, directly serve the locality in which 
the home is located.

0
11. Revise Sec.  291.525(b) to read as follows:


Sec.  291.525   Eligible teachers.

* * * * *
    (b) The full-time employment in paragraph (a) of this section must, 
in the normal course of business, serve students from the locality 
where the home is located.

0
12. Revise Sec.  291.530 to read as follows:


Sec.  291.530  Eligible firefighter/emergency medical technicians.

    A person qualifies as a firefighter/emergency medical technician 
for the purposes of the GNND Sales Program if the person is:
    (a) Employed full-time as a firefighter or emergency medical 
technician by a fire department or emergency medical services responder 
unit of the Federal Government, a State, unit of general local 
government, or an Indian tribal government; and
    (b) The full-time employment in paragraph (a) of this section must, 
in the normal course of business, directly serve the locality where the 
home is located.

    Dated: August 5, 2016.
Edward L. Golding,
Principal Deputy, Assistant Secretary for Housing.
    Approved: August 5, 2016.
Nani A. Coloretti,
Deputy Secretary.
[FR Doc. 2016-19132 Filed 8-10-16; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4210-67-P