Do I have your attention?… Good! The highly anticipated release and implementation of HARP 2 has arrived. For background on HARP (the Homes Affordable Refinance Program), check out my previous posts. There is a detailed “question and answer” style post here. Also, this post details the changes now allowed by Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac.
Some of my lenders have (finally!) released their guidelines and are accepting loan applications for the revamped HARP. While the guidelines individual lenders use can vary from Fannie Mae or Freddie Mac guidelines, from what I’ve seen so far, they seem to mirror one another.
Here are some specific details for using the updated HARP program:
- allows up to 125% loan to value (LTV) for owners primary residence and second homes (was 105%). The unlimited LTV program will not start until 2012.
- investment properties can be refinanced up to 90% LTV (was 80%). To use HARP on an investment property, the property must have originally been purchased as an investment property (not converted from a primary residence to an investment property).
- debt to income ratio can be as high as 55% (was 45%)
- unlimited total loan to value for homes with second mortgages. That said, the second mortgage company must subordinate their loan behind the new first mortgage to qualify
- The “old” rules of requiring Fannie/Freddie to own your loan, you got the mortgage prior to early 2009, and being current on the payment still apply in order to qualify.
These are exciting developments that homeowners can now use and refinance into much lower interest rates. If the property is in Georgia, and you think you might qualify to use HARP, contact me and we’ll find out!
Tags: 125% loan to value, 125% LTV, atlanta mortgage advice, DU Refi Plus, Freddie Open Access, Freddie Relief, Georgia mortgage advice, HARP, Homes Affordable Refinance Program, Obama Refi Plan, Refinance, should I refinance, the mortgage blog
