If you’re a homeowner, you may have a list of home improvement projects you’ve been meaning to tackle. If you’re shopping for a home, you may have seen listings in need of significant TLC, but which are in great neighborhoods. In both instances, a 203(k) Rehab Mortgage may be the right solution for you.
WHAT IS AN FHA 203(k) Rehab Mortgage Loan
Part of the larger Federal Housing Administration (FHA) mortgage program, an FHA 203(k) loan is designed to offer mortgage funding to borrowers who would benefit from flexible credit and debt-to-income ratio requirements.
An FHA 203(k) rehab mortgage offers competitive rates and is specifically meant to pay for major or minor home repairs. When considering this loan solution keep in mind that it:
•Is only applicable to primary residences
•Focuses on repairs and fixes as opposed to “luxury” improvements
•Establishes an escrow account which holds the money for your contractor
TYPES OF FHA 203(k) LOANS (Standard and Limited)
There are two types of FHA 203(k) loans. The limited (formerly known as the streamline 203(k)) and the standard
The FHA 203(k) limited, as the name may suggest, caps its funding at $35,000 and will help fund cosmetic changes. This can mean, for example, new carpeting, a fresh coat of paint or the purchase and installation of appliances. Think of these as repairs that can be done while the house is still habitable.
An FHA 203(k) standard loan funds major renovations or structural changes that cost at least $5,000. The cap varies depending on the community. With this loan option you can replace, construct or demolish different parts of your home. It involves additional paperwork, and working with a HUD “consultant,” but your Mortgage Loan Originator can handle these aspects.
For homebuyers, this program provides the added benefit of combining with a purchase loan, allowing you to save on closing costs. It also means you close the loan before your contractor begins their work. This is important because many sellers won’t allow construction to be done prior to the sale closing – and you wouldn’t want to pay for construction on a home you don’t own yet!
Choose the Renovation loan financing that’s right for you
These programs are incredibly robust and allow you to take a fixer-upper and make it the home you’ve always wanted.
As a homeowner you are in the driver’s seat when choosing how to fund home improvement projects. The only issue may be better understanding which is the best fit for your unique situation.