Home Affordable Refinance Program
Also called HARP
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Definition
The Home Affordable Refinance Program, or HARP, was a historical refinance program for certain underwater GSE loans. It is a closed program, not a current refinance option.
In plain English
After the housing crisis, a federal refinance program helped some borrowers whose homes were worth less than the loan. That program was HARP. HARP is not open now. A current refinance, including a rate-and-term refinance or a streamline refinance, is a different decision. This page is historical context only.
Technical definition
FHFA’s official previous-programs page for the Home Affordable Refinance Program is PRIMARY. It identifies HARP as a closed historical program.
Why it matters
Older loan files and news stories still mention HARP. Readers need the program marked historical so it is not treated as a current product.
Related terms
Sources reviewed
Home Affordable Refinance Program
Source reviewedSeptember 6, 2026
Important note
Author as historical only. Do not imply the program is open.
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