In response to the flailing housing market, the federal government established the Home Affordable Refinance Program (HARP) in 2009. That program was designed to help homeowners who were current on their mortgages, yet not eligible for other government-sponsored modification programs. HARP was previously set to expire earlier this year, but has now been extended through the end of 2018. Here’s what we know so far.

What is HARP?

HARP is overseen by the Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA), and is responsible for regulating Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, among other things. It was implemented shortly after the housing bubble of 2007-2008. At that time, many homeowners were in danger of foreclosure, while numerous others found themselves upside down on their mortgage. read more