On January 27, Treasury and the Obama Administration announced updates to the HAMP program which will aim to extend the reach of HAMP to a broader pool of homeowners. The updates to the program include: (i) extending the program through December 31, 2013 (which conforms to the extended deadline for the HARP program); (ii) providing for more flexible eligibility criteria, including the DTI and occupancy standards; (iii) increasing incentives for principal reduction from between 6 and 21 cents on the dollar to between 18 and 63 cents on the dollar; and (iv) offering principal reduction incentives for loans owned or guaranteed by Fannie Mae or Freddie Mac. Treasury Release.
HARP
FHFA HARP Changes
On October 24, the FHFA released a series of changes to the Home Affordable Refinance Program (HARP) in order to attract more eligible borrowers. The changes to the program include: (i) the elimination and/or lowering of certain fees for borrowers; (ii) the removal of the LTV ceiling for fixed-rate mortgages backed by Fannie and Freddie; (iii) a waiver of certain representations and warranties with respect to loans owned or guaranteed by Fannie and Freddie; and (iv) the elimination of the requirement to obtain a new property appraisal in certain circumstances. The end date of the HARP program has been extended through December 31, 2013 for loans originally sold to the GSEs on or before May 31, 2009. The GSEs will issue guidance on the operational details of the changes by November 15. FHFA Release.
FHFA Extends HARP
On March 11, the FHFA announced a one-year extension of the Home Affordable Refinance Program (HARP), a program administered by Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, to June 30, 2012. In addition, Freddie Mac will exempt HARP loans from their recently announced price adjustments and Fannie Mae will conform their eligibility date to May 2009. FHFA Release.