Anybody had any experience/luck with getting a HARP loan?

Off hand, "No experience with one" but if your loan is owned by Freddie Mac or Fannie Mae you can refinance with HARP - now extended through December 2016.

This may not be offered in VI.
Best thing to do is call a couple mortgage lenders locally.

Here's a link, if it helps: http://www.harp.gov/Eligibility
All lenders require an appraisal.

Thank you for your reply.

Actually, under HARP, not all lenders require an appraisal; that is one of the specific conditions that distinguish it from a traditional refinance loan. It depends upon the lender, type of property, the relative volume of recent sales data, and some other factors. They are offered in the USVI, though some institutions may not be as experienced in administering them.

Again, I'd love to hear from anyone who has commenced the process with an institution working in the USVI.

Best,

Islandlola

Interesting info.

Thanks for sharing, especially about not requiring an appraisal.
Never heard of any lender not requiring one, previously.

ScotiaBank told me that their mortgages are not HARP eligible since they are a foreign owned bank, which I thought was odd. Just another reason why they suck I guess.

HARP loans are only for refinancing Freddie Mac or Fannie Mae backed loans. Unless you have one of those loans, HARP is not an option. You can't originate or purchase real estate with a HARP loan. Hope that helps. Additionally, only your loan servicer is able to refinance with HARP. It is more of a loan modification than a refinance.

I emailed your question about HARP loans to a lender I have contact with.

Here's what he said:
"HARP loans are available in the VI but appraisals are required.
There is not enough data in the VI for an appraisal waiver."