Q: What are the criteria for qualifying for assistance under the underwater home aid program? How does one begin the process?
—Bob Perfetti, Johns Creek
A: First, determine if you qualify for the Home Affordable Refinance Program, or HARP, loan process.
Is your loan owned by Fannie Mae or Freddie Mac, and if so, is it “upside down” or is your “loan-to-value ratio” more than 8o percent?
If so, are you current on your mortgage payments, is this home your primary residence, second home or an investment property, and did your mortgage start on or before May 31, 2009?
Harp.gov suggests gathering your pertinent information, such as mortgage documents and paystubs or tax records, before you call your lender or a HARP lender.
For a list of HARP lenders in Georgia, go to harp.gov/GetStarted and click either the Fannie Mae or Freddie Mac links in the middle of the page.
“If your lender determines that you do qualify for HARP, they will guide you through the application, approval and closing process,” harp.gov states.
The HARP loan program has been extended through Sept. 30, 2017.
Q: There is a report on the Internet that Donald Trump, who has dogged a Miss Universe over a sex tape, once appeared in a soft porn movie (fully clad). Is this true?
—Tim Conner, Austell
A: Trump briefly appeared in a 2000 Playboy video, where he is shown wearing a suit and tie and pouring champagne on a limo that displayed the magazine's bunny logo.
BuzzFeed.com first reported the story on Sept. 30.
Andy Johnston with Fast Copy News Service wrote this column. Do you have a question? We’ll try to get the answer. Call 404-222-2002 or email q&a@ajc.com (include name, phone and city).
About the Author
