Pilot program aims to halt foreclosures

Area real-estate professionals are hoping Fannie Mae continues a limited pilot program aimed at facilitating short sales, especially as local foreclosure filings continue to hit record highs. Since its January launch, the program has prevented at least a handful of homes in 11 Florida counties — including Manatee and Sarasota — from falling into foreclosure by making it easier to sell them for less than their outstanding mortgages.