Back at the end of October, Mercer Island Pulse helped spread the word about the announcement from Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA), Fannie Mae, and Freddie Mac regarding changes to Home Affordable Refinance Program (HARP). The expanded and upgraded HARP program, dubbed HARP 2.0, was unveiled this week. Zillow published a clear, basic guide about Harp 2.0 and at the top of the guide is a calculator to see if you qualify for the program. If you have a blog and would like to share the calculator, Zillow even went so far as to give the widget code so you can publish it over at your place.

So here are the updates, at a glance:

• No underwater limits beginning 1st Quarter of 2012

• Eliminating appraisals and underwriting for most homeowners

• Modified fees

• Extended deadline for a HARP refi now Dec. 31, 2013

Now it’s your turn– what are your thoughts about the updates in HARP 2.0? Will you consider utilizing them? Is Zillow’s eligibility calculator helpful?