The government’s Home Affordable Refinance Program, known as HARP, is slated to run through 2013. If you haven’t taken advantage of HARP yet, time is beginning to run out.
HARP began in early 2009 as a way to help homeowners underwater on their mortgage refinance into the historically low interest rates of the past couple of years. The goal was to refinance 7 million households. Since the number of homeowners qualifying to use HARP wasn’t quite hitting the target, it was revamped into HARP 2 back in late 2011. While the program was overhauled, the date for the program coming to an end wasn’t extended.
While there is talk of an extension and even a HARP 3 (to allow more homeowners to use it), for now it is all talk. To ensure you are able to use HARP, make it your new years resolution to refinance using HARP before the end of 2013.
What is HARP:
- You must have a conventional loan that is owned by Fannie Mae or Freddie Mac
- You needed to have got your loan prior to March 1, 2009 (for Fannie Mae’s version) or prior to June 1, 2009 (for Freddie’s version)
- Mortgage payments must have been made on time in the last year
- If you have a second mortgage OR pay monthly PMI on your mortgage, you most likely still qualify for HARP
Those are just the general guidelines. If you bought your home in mid 2009 or earlier, made payments on time, and have a conventional loan, it is worth checking out to see if you do qualify for HARP and can refinance into today’s historically low interest rates. If your home is in Georgia, I can help you get the ball rolling on the refinance. Contact me today to get started.
