The home loan is in the Ex's name, we're both on the deed. I got the house in the divorce ...

Some pretty important details are missing.. So let me answer based on what info you provided.. if your current loan is a conventional loan owned by Freddie or Fannie, and initiated prior to May 2009, then the loan would qualify for a HARP refinance.. Under HARP guidelines, you can remove and add borrowers to the new refinance loan so long as at least one of the original borrowers is still on the loan. So if this is your scenario, then your lender is correct, you cannot refinance this underwater property without him signing. If your existing loan is an FHA loan, and if you can prove you have made the payments for the last 12 months, on your own, and not out of a joint account with the x, then you could do a streamline refinance with qualifying, meaning you would need to provide pay stubs, tax returns, and w2's... You should probably get with a local mortgage expert and see if he can come up with a creative way to get this home refinanced, or maybe look into short selling it... you can also make an agreement to sell it back to your x if he wants it... I'm a Broker here in Scottsdale AZ and I only lend in Arizona. If you or someone you know is looking for financing options, feel free to contact me or pass along my information. 480-287-5714 WilliamAcres.com

We are a NV company that specializes in HARP loans. Can you prove that you have made the payments the last 12 months? If so we can refinance the loan into your name only. Give me a call tomorrow and we can go over your options. 888-320-7888 www.MortgagesforAmerica.org - Ken Burrows

if you can qualify with your income , and credit, since you are awarded the house, you can possbily do a harp loan, in your name, or do you have a FHA LOAN?? LINDA who is your lender?? yourloanpartnerforlife@live.com

I don't think the lender your worked with is telling you everything you need to know so call a LOCAL lender or two and ask them. If all this is true then you could always purchase a home through Homepath and only need 10% down.

Thought on your mortgage options for a new home, you should not have to go with a conventional loan unless your credit doesn't meet the qualifications. Conventional loans do currently have slightly higher rates than FHA loans but generally the PMI cost is less. For well qualified borrowers it is possible to get a conventional loan with as little as 3% down and monthly PMI about the same or less than FHA. The Fannie guidelines I have say you aren't eligible for a HARP loan without keeping him on the loan, but follow up with a lender that says they can do it. FYI - your ex will likley have to count that payment unless they can prove that you actually make the payment. Good luck!

As suggested in the other posts, call a lending professional to go over more detail of your credit/employment profile as well as more detail on the current mortgage. If its a loan owned by Fannie or Freddie, you may qualify for a HARP 2 mortgage. You may also have options if it is an FHA loan. Again, if you qualify, you should be able to take advantage of today's low rates and stay in the property, remove your ex and put this chapter in your past. Bruce Specter wwww.NvMortgageMan.com (775 338-6915)