FHFA, Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac Announce HARP Changes to Reach More Borrowers

HARP is unique in that it is the only refinance program that enables borrowers who owe more
than their home is worth to take advantage of low interest rates and other refinancing benefits.
This program will continue to be available to borrowers with loans sold to the Enterprises on or
before May 31, 2009 with current loan-t0-value (LTV) ratios above 80 percent.
The new program enhancements address several other key aspects of HARP including:

• Eliminating certain risk-based fees for borrowers who refinance into shorter-term mortgages and lowering fees for other borrowers; Removing the current 125 percent LTV ceiling for      fixed-rate mortgages backed by Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac;

• Waiving certain representations and warranties that lenders commit to in making loans owned or guaranteed by Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac;

• Eliminating the need for a new property appraisal where there is a reliable AVM (automated valuation model) estimate provided by the Enterprises; and Extending the end date for HARP until Dec. 31, 2013 for loans originally sold to the Enterprises on or before May 31, 2009.