If your home has a little equity, or if you owe more mortgage than your what home is worth, then it can be difficult for you to find a lender to refinance. HARP can be a one-stop solution for borrowers who have never made late payments against their mortgages and have loans owned by Freddie Mac and Fannie. Home Affordable Refinance Program (HARP) was introduced in 2009 by the Federal Housing Finance Agency as a part of making homeownership affordable. It was introduced in 2009, and it enables borrowers with little or no equity to refinance into mortgages that are more affordable and do not require additional mortgage insurance. HARP specifically targets borrowers who have a loan-to-value ratio that is less than or equal to 80 percent, and those who have limited or no delinquencies over a period of the year prior to refinancing. There are significant changes made to the program since it was first introduced. The requirements for property appraisal were waived under certain circumstances and risk fees for borrowers who selected shorter amortization, i.e., spreading payments over multiple periods, were eliminated. Without requiring a minimum credit score, HARP lets you acquire mortgages with very low interest rates and change from adjustable to fixed-rate mortgages. Once you qualify to refinance your home loan through HARP, you will go through a series of applications approval and closing process on your current mortgage. Outlined below are steps that will help you determine if the refinance program meets your specific needs. Here are steps to get started. Step 1 Gather all your financial information such as mortgage statements such as second mortgage and your income details. Step 2 Once you have gathered all your financial documentation, contact your mortgage company to check whether they have an approved HARP lender. Your lender might already have your loan file since you are their current customer. However, you might be asked to provide necessary information to verify the current source of income. Once you have gathered all the information from your mortgage company, contact a HARP lender. You will find a list of approved HARP lenders on the official website. These lenders will help you determine if you are eligible for HARP. Step 3 Once you have been approved, go through the application and closing process. If a lender says you are not eligible for a refinance, contact a HARP specialist to find other ways that can make you eligible for a HARP refinance program.

Whether you are thinking of upgrading your old refrigerator or buying a new one, the makes and models of new refrigerators that have crowded the market will make you crazy! There are different styles and varieties available to suit everyone’s need. Sometimes, in a quest to try something new, consumers end up with the wrong product and style. Hence, many a times, buyers stick with the traditional model rather than venturing for a new one. What makes the top freezer refrigerator so popular?Top freezer refrigerators have been going around since the 1940s and are still popular with consumers today. Many rented apartments still prefer top freezer refrigerators for their tenants. Even though the market is flooded with newer styles like the French door, side-by-side, compact, in-built, and bottom freezer, the top freezer accounts for more than half of the sales in the refrigerator market. Best refrigerator deals are easily available on top freezer models as they are the bestseller of the lot. So, what is it that makes top freezer refrigerators so popular? The reason behind this is that the top freezer is comparatively cheaper, economical, and more efficient than other styles. Of course, the new entrants have their share of fancy features and styles that are missing in top freezer refrigerators. The best prices on refrigerators with top freezers are available anywhere between USD 600 to USD 1200. The most important advantage a top freezer refrigerator has over other styles is its energy saving feature. Top freezers are mainly energy efficient. That’s the reason they are cheaper and cost less. The choices are also more in terms of size, capacity, and prices. Speaking of advantages, this type of refrigerator is most preferred because of the space factor. They take less space especially in smaller kitchens where space is the constraint. However, the downside is its storage space when you compare with the latest models and styles. Apart from other latest features like an ice and water dispenser, extra storage, and customized temperature settings, a top mount freezer has its traditional simplicity that attracts its buyers. During any major sales, top mounted freezers get the best refrigerator deals. More than a matter of style and other factors like budget, space, and features, top freezer refrigerators are a matter of choice for many buyers. Here are some of the best top freezer refrigerators that are bestsellers in the market:

• Frigidaire FFHT1821QS

This is the cheapest and one of the best refrigerator deals. Frigidaire is sized at 30 inches in height, is energy efficient, and has a decent temperature control settings.

• GE GTE18ISHSS

All American made, GE top mounted freezer refrigerator holds the capacity of 14 cubic feet. Costing USD 900, this top freezer refrigerator has features like gallon door storage for milk or water, and half shelves for organizing taller items.

• Haier HT21TS45SW

This Haier model has surpassed all expectations and delivers the best performance in terms of storage and capacity. With a solid 17.5 cubic feet storage capacity, and one of the best prices on refrigerator at USD 800, Haier is energy efficient, has temperature control options, and more features like gallon door and spill proof shelves.

• Kenmore 78032

Kenmore is priced at USD 1,300, has a variety of useful features like touch pad controls, spill proof shelves, and considerable storage capacity. This top freezer model holds a storage capacity of 19.6 cubic feet The top freezer refrigerator is giving serious competition to other styles and models. These are the envy of other models as buyers get best refrigerator deals on them.

Diabetes can lead to bringing an undesirable change to your lifestyle. And although type 2 diabetes is not as severe, it is progressive and can lead to further complications. In type 2 diabetes, your pancreas does produce insulin, but that is very effective in absorbing the sugar in your blood. Your body becomes resistant to the insulin, thereby leading to too much glucose in the blood stream. It goes without saying, it is necessary to seek medical help in keeping a tab and control on your diabetes level. Insulin for type 2 diabetes may also have been injected as per requirement. However, modifications in the way of living, food or dietary changes and regular exercising are some things that one should to keep diabetes in control. Here are the foods that you should consume and especially good for diabetics. Whole grains - Whole grains come with a lot of soluble and insoluble fiber. This fiber keeps your digestive tract clean and healthy. Grains such as lentils, barley, etc, keep the blood sugar levels regularized. Fish - Fish provides the body great source of omega-3 fatty acids that have a good effect on the health of the heart. Since people with diabetes are at a higher risk of heart diabetes, getting enough fish fat on a regular basis is necessary. Green leafy vegetables - Leafy vegetables such as spinach are very low on carbohydrates that mainly cause your blood sugar to rise. In addition, they also pack a whole lot of vitamins and minerals that are good to reduce inflammatory markers. Nuts - Nuts such as almonds, walnuts, cashews, etc are not only tasty but also give your body added nutrition. They contain less of carbs and are high in fiber. Different nuts contain different proportions and one should consult the doctor before consuming particular nuts. Broccoli - Broccoli is known to have several health benefits. This vegetable packs a low carb level and comes loaded with important nutrients such as magnesium and vitamin C. The wonder veggie is also a acts as a source of lutein and zeaxanthin that helps in preventing eye diseases. Garlic - This herb is known to have a very good effect on blood pressure levels. Not only this, it can also lower the level of sugar in the blood stream. Flaxseeds - Flaxseeds are revered worldwide for their bountiful of health benefits. The lower the risk of heart diseases, decrease blood sugar levels and have also been found to improve insulin sensitivity in the body. These are a few foods among many that will help in keeping diabetes in control. There many other foods that are beneficial and your doctor can guide you better.

Winter jackets are one of the crucial apparel that should be a part of the wardrobe. Whether you're living in the coldest regions of the world or experience mild winters, a jacket can be the best option to provide you with immediate warmth. Here are a few things that you should keep in mind while buying a winter jacket. Winter jackets come in all shapes and sizes. The winter jackets have many features that make it a must-have for every woman. Every year, there is a new addition to the list of winter jackets fashion for both men and women and before you pick one for yourself, you should always research and look for the different types and see what suits your needs. Some of the features of winter jacket are fleece-lined pockets that are helpful during cold weather as it offers warmth, removable hoods and high-quality insulation ensure utmost comfort and warmth. So, whether you're looking to buy a winter jacket online or visit a store to purchase it, it should come with these basic features that make it a good winter jacket. Hood is a must Hood is one of the most vital parts of a winter jacket. It not only helps in protecting you from the stormy weather but also provide added warmth during extreme weathers such as snowfall. If you don't like to wear your jacket with a hood, then consider buying a jacket with removable hoods. Know which shell is used in the jacket Whenever you're out shopping for jackets, make sure that you keep your environment and climate that you live in. These are important factors that determine which winter jacket can be the best pick. Some of the jackets are designed as water-resistant only, which are helpful in areas with frequent rainfall. This ability of a jacket to seal out water depends on the type of shell used in the making of the jacket. So, jackets made with light nylon or polyester with DWR coatings are considered as a good shell for water-resistant jackets. Insulation is a key component Insulation plays a crucial role in providing warmth. Hence, your winter jacket should come with proper and high-quality insulation. The inner lining of the jacket should have fleece. Similarly, there is synthetic insulation, which is made using synthetic materials such as polyester or fabrics that imitate the down structure. Pockets offer convenience Pockets are also a must-have in a jacket. We all carry cell phones, wallets or some other important things handy. So, having a pocket in your jacket will keep these important things closer. You should always look for a jacket that has pockets with a zip rather than a Velcro for better safety.

Finding a large pet carrier crate can be a bit difficult. There are plenty of options for medium and small-sized breeds of dogs; however, for larger breeds, the selection is quite limited. Here are a few tips that should help you to choose a large pet carrier crate easily.

• Know your dog’s weight You need to know the approximate weight of your dog when buying a large pet carrier crate. You should keep in mind that when you move or pick up the carrier crate, your pet might be in it. Some large carriers can be quite heavy, and with your pet in it, it can be twice as heavy, causing difficulty moving.
• Type of carrier Although there are carriers that can be folded when not in use, an excellent option for those that lack storage space. This might not be a good idea if you have a large pet. Here, too, the weight of your pet plays a key role. Collapsible carriers or those made of cloth are not very strong and are most often designed for smaller breeds. You should ensure that your pet would fit comfortably into the carrier.
• Material used If you would be using the carrier for your puppy, then it might be good to avoid those made with cloth. Also, if your dog likes to chew on things, avoid carriers made with plastic. Cloth and plastic carriers can get destroyed over a period of time. You should invest in pet carriers that are made of strong and good quality aluminum.
• With or without wheels Think about what you would be using the carrier for before you decide on whether you need one with or without wheels. In some cases, a carrier with wheels might be easy for you to handle but result in an uncomfortable move for your pet as the ground is not always level. If you just need to transport your pet in your car from one place to another, a metal car barrier might be a better option. Also, if you’re using the crate as a bed or toy area for your pet, then one without wheels would be better.

Keep these factors in mind when shopping for a large pet carrier crate, and you won’t go wrong. Also, ensure that your pet is comfortable getting into the carrier. This training is essential before you actually use the crate to transport or move your pet.

Few things in this world can beat the fun experience of going on a long road trip with your besties. If you are going to use your car for the trip, there are certain things that you should be aware of. Just like how you need to prepare for the long journey ahead, even your car needs some preventive measures that will make sure that your vehicle does not betray you in the middle of the trip. Don’t know how to prep your car for your next road trip? Here are some simple car-care tips that you can follow: • Do an overall check of car Although there are gas stations almost everywhere today, it is best to get your car checked beforehand for prevention and safety. Check if your car makes unnecessary noises, has any worn-out tire, or broken brakes. Now is the time to fix all these little problems before it’s too late and you have already hit the road. • Replace the air filters When you are getting your car checked, don’t forget to monitor the condition of the air filters. A clogged air filter will put a halt on the power of your car. You can clean the air filters on your own by following the steps mentioned in the car’s manual or seeking for car-care tips from a professional. • Pull the Brakes Before leaving for the road, check the brake system of your truck. Make sure that the brake fluid is filled up till the mark and the fluid’s color is normal. If you have not flushed your car’s brake fluid for over a year or two, the liquid might have turned a rusty maple-syrup color. In such cases, it is best to get your brake fluid refilled. • Check the belts Make sure you open the car’s hood and check the insides. If there is any torn, worn-out belt that is popping out fiber cords, get it replaced. If your car makes noise every time you start it after stopping at a signal, then one of the engine belts might be loose. Get this belt fixed to ensure a smooth trip. • Survival kit Prepare a survival kit which has all the essential things you will need in case of an emergency like a phone charger, medical kit, car-care toolkit, some food supply, and water. • Inspect the antifreeze level The engine coolant or the antifreeze level should always be between low and high. If the coolant level is below the low mark, be sure to refill it. In such cases, don’t forget to first check for any leakage as it is a common phenomenon. • Always carry your car’s manual with you Since it would be a long trip, you need all the help you can get. Keep your car’s manual handy in the glove compartment so that you can read the car-care guide and try fixing your car if it breaks down. The manual has all the essential car-care information, including how to change the tires or refill the car fluids. The manual also helps when you want to jumpstart your car after the battery dies or the engine heats up. It is essential to maintain your car to ensure not just a hassle-free travel but also the safety of your group and others on the road. With the abovementioned car care tips you can make sure that your car stays in good shape even while it gets sun drenched. So have you already tuned your car up for your long-awaited summer road trip?