FHFA Extends HARP, Modifies Refinance Program – NMP Skip to main content

FHFA Extends HARP, Modifies Refinance Program

Aug 17, 2017
The level of mortgage homeowners with tappable equity has reached a record peak, but tax code changes could have an impact on this market, according to a data analysis from Black Knight Inc.

The Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA) had modified the High LTV Streamlined Refinance program designed to help borrowers who are current on their mortgage but are unable to refinance because their loans have loan-to-value (LTV) ratios that exceed the maximum limits set by Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac.
 
The FHFA established an eligibility date which makes the program available for loans originated on or after Oct 1, 2017. With today’s announcement, Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac will modify the structure of future credit risk transfer (CRT) transactions to accommodate the High LTV Streamlined Refinance program by allowing the newly refinanced loans to return to the reference pools in place of loans that prepaid. According to the FHFA, this will help preserve credit loss protection on the loans without unwinding the protection paid for through CRT transactions.
 
The FHFA also announced that the HARP program will be extended through Dec. 31, 2018, in order to provide an additional refinance option for borrowers with high LTV ratios.
About the author
Published
Aug 17, 2017
Strong Jobs Report Threatens Mortgage Rate Rally

October hiring more than doubled expectations, pushing Treasury yields higher

Nov 06, 2026
Fed Holds Rates, But Pricing Pressures Persist

Rising Treasury yields and fresh inflation data complicate rate locks, borrower qualification, and lender margins as markets anticipate another hike in December

Oct 29, 2026
Zippy Adds Capital For Manufactured-Home Lending Push

The $20 million investment from Saluda Grade will support expansion beyond 27 states and new loan products across wholesale, retail, and community channels

Oct 16, 2026
Inflation Hits 3.7%, Putting Mortgage Rate Relief At Risk

September’s inflation pickup puts recent rate improvements at risk, potentially eroding affordability gains from lower home prices and seller concessions

Oct 14, 2026
PLACE Acquires Ardley, Expanding Push To Turn Existing Borrowers Into New Loans

The latest deal connects borrower retention technology with Maxwell's origination platform and PLACE's real estate network, creating new opportunities for lenders

Oct 09, 2026
Equifax, TransUnion Launch New Tools To Cut Credit Report Costs

Both bureaus introduce ways to purchase credit scores separately from reports, while Equifax reports growing VantageScore adoption and extends $1 pricing through 2028

Oct 09, 2026