What Is a FHA 203(k)
The FHA 203(k) loan allows buyers to purchase homes that require some modernization or a variety of repairs. The fixes can range from new floors and carpet to granite counter tops and stainless steel appliances. When you think about all the foreclosed properties on the market and the outdated homes needing a ton of work, this loan can really help buyers who might not have the personal funds in savings or be able to secure a typical construction loan to get the financing. Not to mention that construction loans come with very high interest rates and are short-term, which means buyers would have to refinance after the work is complete. This is not the case with the FHA 203(k) loan.
How Does a FHA 203(k) Work?
Buyers must meet with an approved mortgage originator who is allowed to originate the FHA 203(k) loan, such as Forum Mortgage Bancorp. At this meeting, we determine the maximum amount of financing you’re comfortable with securing, which will also include all the potential repair money necessary for the home of your dreams. Once you are qualified for the loan, you can begin to shop for your home with your real estate agent.
When you have written a contract for the purchase of your home, you then meet with a certified FHA 203(k) consultant and a general contractor to determine the exact amount of money needed for the repair work. The three of you then fill out an FHA 203(k) maximum-mortgage worksheet, detailing all the repairs, to be delivered to the end-investor of the loan. You then go through the typical underwriting process and close on the loan. The repair money is escrowed with the title company, and the general contractor can draw on it with the clearance of the FHA 203(k) consultant. You also have the option to escrow mortgage payments so you don’t pay on a mortgage until the work is complete. This kind of mortgage is typically a 30-year fixed, so you don?t have to worry about it adjusting or having to refinance right away, something you have to think about with a typical construction loan. There is the caveat that the construction work must be completed within six months of the closing date.
What Types of Property Are Eligible for a FHA 203(k)?
There is a fairly long list of criteria that must be met in order to qualify for a FHA 203(k):
- Only owner-occupied dwellings
- 1 -4 unit condos, single-family homes, town homes, and multi-units that have been completed at least one year
- Conversions from a 1-unit property to a multi-unit property and from a multi-unit property to a 1-unit property
Why choose an FHA 203(k) loan?
Why not? Below are a variety of reasons to choose this loan for mortgage financing:
- Only requires a 3.5% down payment
- Community and Neighborhood revitalization for areas that are experiencing high foreclosure rates or declining property values
- 30-year fixed mortgage
- Only need a 620 FICO score, but must be approved though Fannie Mae
- Escrow mortgage payments until work is complete
- Design the home of your dreams
This is a great mortgage product that can be used for the purchase of a foreclosure or to make improvements to a home you already own. This can increase a real estates agents’ sales potential and satisfy clients who wouldn?t get any other financing. Please contact me at 773-499-6364 for further details on this product. If you are a Realtor®, I can conduct a FHA 203(k) seminar at my office or in the convenience of yours.