Do you want to get a loan to buy a fixer-upper, and get cash to make repairs?
That’s exactly what the FHA 203k Loan Program can do for you.
In this article we are going to go over everything you need to know about the FHA Section 203(k) program.
Where to find them. How to qualify.
The differences in a standard and streamline 203k mortgage loans. Which types of homes qualify, and more.
Rate Search: Check Current 203k Rates
What is a 203k loan?
Section 203(k) is a type of FHA home renovation loan that includes both the cost of buying a home and the renovation costs. It is given to those who choose to rehab a damaged or older home.
This home purchase and renovation loan is backed by the Federal Housing Administration and funded by 203k mortgage lenders.
There are two types of FHA 203k renovation loans available, standard and streamline.
Pros and Cons of FHA 203k Loans
Pros
- Low 3.5% downpayment requirement
- 640+ credit scores qualify
- Get extra money to make cosmetic repairs
- Borrow money to make mortgage payments for up to 6 months
- Get cash for major repairs with standard 203k loans
- Adjustable rate and fixed-rate mortgage available
Cons
- Must hire professional licensed general contractor (no DIY repairs)
- No eligible for investment properties
- Requires mortgage insurance premiums
- Extended closing times
- Construction consultant required
- Some lenders do not offer them
- Labor and time intensive
- Higher interest rates
203k Loan Requirements
The home must meet FHA 203(k) eligibility requirements, but the purchaser also needs to meet the criteria set by the Federal Housing Administration to qualify.
- Lender must be FHA-approved
- 640 minimum credit score
- Solid employment history
- No late payments in the past 12 months
- No bankruptcies or foreclosures within the past 36 months
- Proof of income
- Two years of tax returns
- 3.5% Downpayment
Eligible Property Types
- Single-Family Dwelling
- 1-4 unit homes which have been completed for one year (townhouses and detached homes)
- 1-4 building condos (interior improvement only)
- Houses and modular units off-site that can be moved to a property
- Conversions of single units into 2-4 unit dwellings
- Tear down or demolished property where at least a portion of original foundation remains
Standard vs Streamline
The standard version is for more extensive renovation projects, like structural repairs in which you are not able to occupy the home during construction.
The other type is a streamline FHA 203k loan, which is for cosmetic repairs requiring up to $35,000 in funds.
A purchase contract will be the same as any other only you will want to add that it is contingent on you getting approved.
Streamline 203k
You used to have to get two separate loans to purchase a home and make cosmetic changes or repairs.
With streamline loans you can now buy a home, and borrow money for repairs and have just one mortgage payment.
A streamline 203k refinance eliminates quite a bit of paperwork that is required for a standard 203k mortgage making it simpler process.
An appraiser will give you a list of recommended repairs, and in some cases required repairs.
You will get a bid from a HUD contractor and pass it along to your lender. The maximum cash amount to receive is $35,000.
You will have a time frame to have the repairs completed for the final appraisal. Once the construction is complete you will be ready for closing.
Type of work allowed:
- Repair/Replacement of roofs, gutters and downspouts
- Existing HVAC systems
- Electrical and Plumbing systems
- Painting
- Flooring
- Appliances
- Weatherization
- Basement waterproofing
- Repair, replace or add exterior decks, patios, porches
- Window and door replacement and exterior siding
- Septic and/or well repair or replacement
- Improvements for accessibility
- Lead-based paint stabilization or abatement of lead-based paint hazards
Standard 203(k) Loan
Just like a streamline, the standard 203k construction loan allows you to get one loan for both the purchase of a home and the cost of the repairs.
The standard 203(k) rehabilitation loan is for homes that require major renovations, there is no limit for the amount of cash you’re able to receive to repairs.
There is more intensive paperwork requirements for the standard 203k loans. Buyers will not be permitted to occupy the property. However, you are allowed to add up to 6 months of mortgage payments into the loan.
You will have a HUD consultant that is assigned to oversea the work that is needed.
The amount of additional paperwork and time involved in these types of loans often discourage many lenders from offering them.
Type of repairs allowed:
- Major rehabilitation, such as the relocation of a load-bearing wall
- New construction, including room additions
- Structural repair
- Repairs requiring detailed drawings or architectural exhibits
- Landscaping or similar “site amenity” improvement
- Any repair requiring a work schedule longer than three (3) months; or rehabilitation activities that require more than two (2) payments per specialized contractor
- Improvements that require a plan reviewer
- Improvements that result in work not starting within 30 days after loan closing; or cause the owner to be displaced from the property for more than 30 days during the time the rehabilitation work is being conducted
FHA Loans
FHA home loans are also referred to as Section 203(b) they are the number one type of mortgage used by first-time homebuyers. These loans are for move-in ready homes.
FHA loan requirements are similar to a 203k mortgage loan except for a couple of things.
One of which is the credit score requirement. You can qualify for an FHA mortgage with a 500 credit score with 10% down, and a 580 credit score with 3.5% down.
With a 203k mortgage loan the minimum credit require is a 640 score. The max loan-to-value ratio is 96.5%
203k Refinance
You can refinance your current mortgage into a 203k loan and get the extra cash to make repairs and renovations. The same rules apply to streamline and standard 203k loans.
Instead of having to borrow money on a credit card or taking out high interest loans for home renovations.
With a 203k refinance you can get the money for repairs and roll the costs into your mortgage.
PowerSaver Grant – Cash Back for Energy Efficient Improvements
In 2011 the Federal Housing Administration began the new FHA PowerSaver grant.
The program will pay up to 1% of the origination fee or closing costs for borrowers who send at least $3,500 on eligible energy efficient improvements.
This equals roughly an average of a $2,000 refund on 203k loans. Get more information on the PowerSaver Grant on their website.
First-Time Homebuyers
A first-time homebuyer is defined as a person who has not owned a home within the last 3 years.
203k loans are great for first-time buyers, however they are available for all owner-occupied borrowers.
203k loans, like FHA loans are only for borrowers who intend to occupy the property as their primary residence. First-time homebuyers can qualify, Investors do not.
Credit Score Requirements
Because rehab loans provide borrowers with additional cash over and beyond the purchase price of the home, it’s considered a risky loan. Because of the increased risk the minimum credit score for a 203k mortgage is 640.
If your FICO score is below 640 and you are having trouble getting approved for a 203k mortgage. You should consider an FHA loan since it is the only mortgage for people with low credit scores.
FHA loans require a low 500 credit score with a 10% down payment. If you have at least a 580 credit rating you can qualify with just a 3.5% down payment.
Down Payment
Borrowers will need to meet the same requirements as an FHA loan to qualify.
The qualifications for the two types of loans is very similar, besides the higher credit requirement of 620-640. The 203k down payment is just 3.5% of the loan amount.
Mortgage Insurance
The mortgage insurance premium, or MIP on a 203k loan is typically 0.85%. The rate will change according to how much the loan is for and your down payment amount.
Below is the 2017 FHA 203k MIP chart
Closing Costs
203k mortgage closing costs average somewhere between 2%-5% based on the lender and your credit score.
As an example a $200,000 house will have closing costs somewhere between $2,000-$7,000.
Make sure you get loan quotes from at least 3 203k lenders. This way you can shop for the best mortgage rates and lowest closing costs.
FHA Loan Limit
About 65% of the country is classified as a low cost area. You can view the list of all low costs areas here.
Low-Cost Area Loan Limits
| Loan Type | 1 Units | 2 | 3 | 4 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| FHA | $271,050 | $347,000 | $419,425 | $521,250 |
| HECM | $636,150 | n/a | n/a | n/a |
High-Cost Area Loan Limits
High cost areas are cities in which the cost of living is higher than other areas. This included cities like San Fransisco, Los Angeles, and New York City.
You can view the list of all high costs areas here.
| Loan Type | 1 Unit | 2 | 3 | 4 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| FHA | $636,150 | $814,500 | $984,525 | $1,223,475 |
| HECM | $636,150 | n/a | n/a | n/a |
Alaska, Guam, Hawaii, and the Virgin Islands
The National Housing Act states that these very high cost areas can increase the loan limit by up to 150%.
| Loan Type | 1 Unit | 2 | 3 | 4 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| FHA | $721,050 | $923,050 | $1,115,800 | $1,386,650 |
The Final Verdict..
While buying a home that needs renovations can usually mean a good deal.
You should really think about the drawbacks of these types of loans.
They will take up much of your time and can often drag on for several months.
If you’re patient and have the extra time to spend overseeing the repairs and dealing with contractors it could be well worth it.
In the end, you will have a home that is livable and suits your needs once you’ve completed the repairs.
Are you thinking about purchasing a home that needs work before you can live in it? If so, talk to a lender about the possibility of getting a 203k rehab loan.
The 203k Lenders in our network will offer loan options that you can compare and choose to make your home ownership dreams come true.
Find more information about the 203k loan program on the HUD website.
Rate Search: Speak to 203k Lenders and Check Rates
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