Wachovia

Wachovia was the name of a major financial services company that was acquired by Wells Fargo in 2008. The Wachovia name was retired after the integration of the two companies was completed in 2011, and former Wachovia web sites now link directly to Wells Fargo instead.

 

Prior to being acquired by Wells Fargo, Wachovia was the fourth-largest bank in the United States, based on total assets, and offered a broad range of financial services, including wealth management and investment services. Financial difficulties encountered during the economic crisis of 2008 resulted in Wachovia’s sale to Wells Fargo to prevent the company from failing.

 

Wachovia’s mortgage business has been completely transferred to Wells Fargo and no new mortgages are being originated under the Wachovia name. Borrowers who obtained mortgages through Wachovia are now being handled by Wells Fargo.

 

Wells Fargo is one of the nation’s largest banks and mortgage lenders, with mortgage rates that are very competitive on the market. Wells Fargo offers a full line of mortgage products, with fixed rate, adjustable rate (ARM), interest-only and jumbo mortgages available, as well as FHA- and VA mortgage products. Wells Fargo has first time home buyer programs and programs for people with imperfect credit.

 

With the Wachovia brand retired, mortgages are no longer being refinanced under the Wachovia name. Homeowners who wish to refinance mortgages obtained through Wachovia may do so with Wells Fargo, or with any other mortgage lender, provided that they meet equity, credit and income requirements and other qualifications.

 

Wachovia mortgage borrowers with little or no home equity, or who are underwater on their mortgage (owe more than their property is worth) may be able to refinance under the Home Affordable Refinance Program (HARP), provided that the loan is backed by Fannie Mae or Freddie Mac. Wachovia borrowers seeking a HARP refinance may seek to do so through the Wells Fargo mortgage department, but may also do so with any lender or broker who is accepting HARP applications from other lenders’ customers.

 

Borrowers with a mortgage originated through Wachovia may apply for a home equity loan or home equity line of credit (HELOC) through Wells Fargo or any other lender offering home equity products.