HARP stands for Home Affordability Refinance Program and is offered through the U.S. Department of Treasury and Housing and Urban Development. HARP is for homeowners that are not behind on their mortgage payments and have not had luck in obtaining refinancing because the value of their home has declined.
HARP Eligibility
In order to qualify for HARP:
- The current Loan to Value (LTV) must be greater than 80%
- The mortgage must be owned or guaranteed by Freddie Mac or Fannie Mae
- The mortgage must have been sold to Freddie Mac or Fannie Mae prior to May 31, 2009
- Must be the first time borrower is applying to HARP for current mortgage. Exception is a Fannie Mae loan refinanced under HARP from March-May 2009
- Borrower must be current on mortgage and have no late payments in the last 6 months and no more than 1 late payment in the last 12 months.
The items above are eligibility guidelines only and HARP eligibility will ultimately be determined by your mortgage provider. To find out if your mortgage is guaranteed or owned by Freddie Mac or Fannie Mae use the HARP Loan Lookup Tool. Once you determine your loan is guaranteed or owned by Freddie Mac or Fannie Mae your next step is to contact your mortgage provider. Your mortgage provider will provide you with further information regarding eligibility for HARP and your responsibilities under the program.
For additional help with question regarding HARP call 1-888-995-HOPE(4673).
HARP SCAM Alert: Do not talk to anyone that calls you directly, or respond to email concerning loan modification or refinancing. Call your mortgage lender directly using the phone number listed on your mortgage statement.
