All posts tagged HARP
Q&A: What is the ‘Qualified Mortgage’ rule?
The Qualified Mortgage (QM) rule, also called the “Ability To Repay” rule, implemented by the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, is the first-ever attempt at defining and establishing qualifying standards for borrowers applying for mortgage loans.
Infographic: President Obama harps on HARP 3.0
"It’s a plan that has the support of independent, nonpartisan economists and leaders across the housing industry, but Republicans in Congress worked to keep it from even getting
Fannie Mae tightens underwriting rules for condo, refinance loans, borderline borrowers
Fannie Mae is putting the squeeze on underwriting guidelines this fall, making it tougher for some condo, borderline and refinancing borrowers to land a home loan. Effective Oct. 20,
New HUD document mother-of-all mortgage relief program brochures
The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development's (HUD) National Mortgage Settlement (NMS) outreach campaign is virtually a one-stop shopping center for anyone struggling with their mortgage. Appearing to
Special HARP-, HAMP-like programs reaching rural America
You could call these special refinance and mortgage modification programs from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) "HARP and HAMP For The Boonies" - if you consider "boonies"
Columbia Business School: HARP 3.0 could benefit 13 million homeowners, jolt the economy
The HARP 3.0 bill, slowly making its way through Congress, could help at least 13 million households refinance, save them an average $3,000 a year and help them
President Obama’s HARP 3.0: Streamlined refinancing for all
If it was up to President Obama, along with mortgage bailouts for those behind on their mortgage, every homeowner who has been paying their mortgage on time should
‘U.S. Senate Bill 3085 is the rumored HARP 3.0
Rumors of a HARP 3.0 were not greatly exaggerated. The rumors have panned out as legislation called the "Responsible Homeowner Refinancing Act of 2012." If passed, the act would
Responsible Homeowners Refinancing Act of 2012: HARP 2.5, not HARP 3.0
It's not the HARP 3.0 rumored to be in the pipeline, but the Responsible Homeowners Refinancing Act of 2012 would give HARP 2.0 a boost and provide additional
Con artists leeching off new, improved federal mortgage and foreclosure relief programs
It's not just the National Mortgage Settlement's promise of restitution for those abused by foreclosure tactics that's drawing swindlers out of the woodwork. Double-dealers trying to hustle already victimized
Most consumers don’t have a clue about HAMP, HARP
Recent enhancements to government programs designed to bail out more underwater homeowners and save others from foreclosure could be lost on millions of Americans. Most consumers don't even know
Strategic defaults on the rise, unfortunately
Apparently, homeowners aren't getting the message that strategic defaults are anything but strategic. A growing number of homeowners say, even if they can afford to make mortgage payments, they
Obama budget proposes Mortgage Debt Relief Act extension
The Mortgage Debt Relief Act (MDRA) of 2007 is getting a vote of confidence from the Obama Administration. And that could save you tens of thousands of dollars. (Update: "Congress
Improved HARP music to ears of more homeowners
The new and improved Home Affordable Refinance Program (HARP) is spreading a wider net for struggling homeowners previously unable to take advantage of the federal program. With refinancing rates
HAMP program enhancements offer modifications to more underwater homeowners
It may be impossible to reach every struggling homeowner, but the Obama Administration's upgrades to Making Home Affordable programs should increase the number of homeowners who need help. For
Housing takes back seat to economy in State of the Union Address
President Barack Obama heavily laced his 2012 State of the Union Address with comments about solutions for the nation's economic malaise, but he gave housing the short shrift. Housing
HARP refinance program makes it easier to capitalize on low rates
FEDERAL HOUSING FINANCE AGENCY -– The Federal Housing Finance Agency, with Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac (the Enterprises), today announced a series of changes to the Home Affordable
Reexamining your refinancing options
Record low interest rates are prompting many homeowners to refinance. Should you join the crowd? On Sept. 13, 2011, Erate.com reported rates for 30-year fixed rate mortgages (FRMs) were as
Struggling home owners awarded another $14 billion
With the federal government's year-old housing relief efforts under fire, the Obama Administration recently announced a new $14 billion round of enhancements to reach a larger share of
Have you overlooked refinancing?
iPhone app translates baby bawling If you haven't looked into refinancing your mortgage under federal programs, you could be missing an opportunity to save money, keep your home and
