Refinance Guidelines With HARP With Second Mortgage UPDATE
This BLOG On Refinancing Requirements With HARP With Second Mortgage Was UPDATED On July 9, 2017
Can Homeowners with a second mortgage Refinance with HARP?
Many homeowners still have mortgage loans that are higher than the value of their homes.
- Often known as underwater mortgages, these homeowners did not turn in their keys and walk
- Most definitely, they would be stuck in their homes until their home value surpasses their mortgage loan
The only way they can sell their house is to pay down their mortgage since their home value is below their mortgage loan balance.
HARP With Second Mortgage Lending Process
Other homeowners have second mortgages on their homes with upside-down values:
- One of the most common questions I get asked by homeowners is if they can refinance with a second mortgage through HARP even if their home is worth much less than the mortgage amount
- The answer to refinancing with HARP with a second position is yes
- Most second mortgage lenders will subordinate their second mortgages after the refinance of the HARP loan
In this article, we will discuss and cover Refinance Guidelines With HARP for homeowners who have a Second Mortgage.
Underwater Mortgages: HARP 2.0
The Home Affordable Refinance Program, also known as HARP 2.0, is a federally initiated refinance program that was created to reward homeowners who have their mortgage loan balances higher than the value of their homes.
- As long as the current mortgage lender has sold mortgage loans to Fannie Mae or Freddie Mac prior to June 2009, homeowners can qualify for the Home Affordable Refinance Program
Qualification Requirements for HARP 2.0
- One of the contingent factors with HARP, Home Affordable Refinance Program, is that the homeowner needs to be current on their mortgage loan with no late payment history in the past twelve months
There is no appraisal needed with the Home Affordable Refinance Program.
Can I Qualify For HARP With Second Mortgage
Many homeowners have second mortgages on their homes and believe due to their second mortgages that they do not qualify for the HARP mortgage loan.
- This is not the case
- A homeowner can still qualify for a HARP mortgage loan even if they have a second mortgage
What the mortgage lender does is subordinate the second mortgage and refinances the first under the Home Affordable Refinance Program.
First And Second Mortgages Cannot Be Consolidated with HARP 2.0
First and second mortgages cannot be combined under the HARP 2.0 mortgage loan program.
- For those who have mortgage loans that are not owned by Fannie Mae or Freddie Mac do not qualify for the HARP 2.0 mortgage loan program
- However, the Home Affordable Refinance Program 3.0, also known as HARP 3.0, is right around the corner
HARP 3.0 is being created to rescue homeowners whose mortgage loans are not owned by Fannie Mae or Freddie Mac and are underwater ( mortgage loan is higher than the value of the home).
2017 Update On HARP 2.0
The CFPB has announced that it will be extending the HARP 2.0 until the end of 2016. The HARP 2.0 will be extended through September 30, 2017.
Related> HARP: Home Affordable Refinance Program
Related> HARP 2.0 Extended Until December 2016
July 9, 2017 - 3 min read