So you want to buy a fixer-upper
Buying a home that needs some TLC can be a good choice.
Imperfect homes come with less competition from other buyers, and you can build tens of thousands of dollars in additional equity in a short time by making relatively minor improvements.
But there’s a reason not as many people want to buy a fixer-upper. It does take more work, planning, and time compared to buying your standard “turn-key” home.
Up for the challenge? Then rewards await. Here are your first steps.
Verify your FHA 203k loan eligibility (Oct 9th, 2020)In this article (Skip to…)
- What is an FHA 203k loan?
- How does the 203k loan program work?
- FHA 203k loan requirements
- FHA 203k lenders
- 203k loan rates and mortgage insurance
- What repairs can I do?
- Home renovation loan alternatives
- Step-by-step process
- 203k loan benefits and drawbacks
- FAQ
What is an FHA 203k loan?
An FHA 203k loan (sometimes called a Rehab Loan or FHA Construction Loan) allows you to finance not one, but two major items:
- The house itself
- Needed/wanted repairs
This loan addresses a common problem when buying a fixer home: lenders often won’t approve loans for homes in need of major repairs.
Because the lender tracks and verifies repairs when using a 203k loan, it is willing to approve a loan on a home it wouldn’t otherwise consider.
That said, for a lender to approve financing, the home must already meet certain safety and livability standards.
If the home is run down, you won’t be able to use an FHA 203k rehab loan.
This program can be a good option for people on a tighter budget, who want to buy an older or run-down home and repair it rather than buying a more expensive turn-key home.
Verify your 203k loan eligibility (Oct 9th, 2020)How does the 203k loan program work?
The process for an FHA 203k loan is like that of regular home buying, with some modifications:
- Apply with a 203k-approved lender
- Get approved for the loan
- Choose a contractor
- Get ‘bids’ (estimates for the repairs)
- Close the loan
- Complete repairs
- Move in
Receiving a final approval involves lining up contractors and receiving bids, and some additional hoops to jump through.
Don’t get stressed at this process, though. The 203k lender will drive the process and guide you through. You’re not on your own!
Choose your projects
The first step is deciding which home improvements you want to do (see “What kind of repairs can I do?” below).
The lender will require any safety or health hazards to be addressed first – things like mold, broken windows, lead-based paint, and missing handrails.
From there, choose which cosmetic items you want to take care of.
For instance, say you want to replace appliances, add granite in the kitchen, and gut the bathroom. Those are all acceptable projects for the loan.
Choose your contractors
Once you’ve got your project list together, find contractors.
The contractors must be licensed and insured, and typically have to be in full-time business. You can’t use buddies who do construction on the side, and you typically can’t do the work yourself unless you’re a contractor by profession.
Best results will come from super-experienced and professional remodeling firms that have done at least one 203k renovation in the past.
Remember: your entire project can be held up by one contractor that is unwilling to complete the necessary forms.
You might even go so far as to write the 203k paperwork requirements into the contractor agreement.
Get your bids
Once your contractor is on board with helping you complete your loan, get official bids. Make sure the bids aren’t guesses. They must be completely accurate.
The reason is that the lender will submit final bids to the appraiser, who builds the value of the work into the future value of the property, upon which your loan is based.
Changing bid dollar amounts later could incur additional appraisal costs and trigger re-approval with the lender. Again, make sure your contractor knows all this!
Submit everything to the lender
By this point, the lender will have your income, asset, and credit report information. Once it has all the required bid paperwork, your loan can go to final approval.
Close the loan
You will sign final mortgage documents, and the house is officially yours.
The contractor starts work
Once the loan is finalized, the contractors can start the home improvements. Depending on the extent of the repairs, you may be able to move in at the same time.
For bigger projects, arrange to live somewhere else until work is complete. You can finance up to six months of mortgage payments into your loan amount to allow room in your budget to do so.
Move in and enjoy
The work is complete, and you’re the owner of a beautiful new home.
You’ve probably built a ton of equity in a short time, and you didn’t have to engage in a bidding war to buy your ideal home.
FHA 203k loan requirements for 2020
A 203k is a subtype of the popular FHA loan, which is meant to help those who might not otherwise qualify for a mortgage.
FHA’s flexibility makes 203k qualification drastically easier than for a typical construction loan.
203k credit score requirements
FHA allows credit scores down to 580, although some lenders might require a score of 620-640 to qualify for a 203k loan.
Still, that’s much lower than the 720 or higher you would probably need for a conventional construction loan.
Minimum down payment
FHA requires just a 3.5 percent down payment, based on the purchase price and total project cost. For instance:
- Home price: $200,000
- Total project cost: $25,000
- Down payment: $7,875 (3.5% of $225,000)
You can receive 100 percent of your down payment requirement via a gift from family or an approved non-profit organization.
Income and debt requirements
Lenders will examine your debt-to-income ratio, too. This is the comparison of your monthly income and debt payments.
Typically, less than 43 percent of your income should go toward your proposed mortgage payment plus all other debts.
That’s $430 in payments per $1,000 of before-tax income.
For example, if your income is $5,000 per month, your future house payment plus auto loan payments, student loan payments, and credit card bills shouldn’t exceed $2,150 per month.
Loan amount
Using an FHA 203k loan, you can borrow up to 110% of the property’s proposed future value, or the home price plus renovation costs, whichever is less.
But keep in mind that your total loan amount can’t be higher than your region’s FHA loan limits.
Occupancy
You must plan to live in the property you are buying. If you plan to fix and flip as an investment property, the 203k loan isn’t for you.
Citizenship
All FHA loans are available to U.S. citizens and lawful permanent residents. Lenders will verify citizenship status at time of application.
Verify your 203k loan program eligibility (Oct 9th, 2020)FHA 203(k) lenders
Not every mortgage lender originates 203(k) loans, and not every loan officer or mortgage broker understands the process.
You’ll want to make sure that the company you work with is approved to do this loan and does a lot of them.
The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) has a helpful search page you can use to determine if the lender you want to use has done at least one 203k rehab loan in the last 12 months.
You just type in the lender name at the top, scroll down, and check the box for 203k rehabilitation mortgage insurance program.
203k loan rates and mortgage insurance
Mortgage rates are somewhat higher for FHA 203k loans than for standard FHA loans.
Expect to receive a rate about 0.75% to 1.0% higher than for a standard FHA mortgage.
Still, base FHA rates are some of the lowest on the market, so 203k rates are competitive.
You’ll also pay FHA mortgage insurance. This costs 1.75% of the full loan amount as a lump sum (usually rolled into the loan) and 0.85% yearly (broken into 12 equal monthly payments).
On a $250,000 loan, that’s $4,375 upfront and an extra $177 per month.
Verify your FHA 203k loan eligibility here (Oct 9th, 2020)What repairs can I do?
There are two types of 203k loans. Which one you choose depends on the extent of the repair work.
Limited 203k mortgage (formerly known as the ‘Streamline 203k’)
This option allows you to do most cosmetic repair work, including things like kitchens and bathrooms.
The stated limit to costs is $35,000. However, an FHA 203k loan requires a “buffer” equal to 15 percent of the total bids.
This buffer is called a contingency. It’s a “just in case” fund to cover cost overruns by your contractor. (If the contingency fund is not used, it is credited back to you).
So, your “real” maximum repair costs can be around $31,000.
Most non-structural, non-luxury items are acceptable:
- Kitchen and bathroom remodels
- Appliance replacement
- HVAC upgrades or replacements
- Carpet and flooring
- Roof replacement including gutters and downspouts
- Painting
- Repairing safety and health issues
- Energy-efficient home improvements
- Septic system improvements
- And much more
In short, you can’t do anything structural (move load-bearing walls, add rooms) or change the footprint of the home.
So why choose the Limited 203k option? Because more lenders offer it than the full 203k. And, it’s a much simpler process than the standard option.
Standard 203k rehab loan
With the standard FHA 203k loan, you can do just about anything you want to the home, except non-permanent changes or adding luxury amenities.
Allowable projects using the standard 203k include:
- Structural alterations
- Converting a one-family home into a 2-, 3-, or 4-unit home, or vice versa
- Connecting to public sewer or water
- Some larger landscaping projects
- Improving accessibility for disabled persons
- Moving the house to a different site
For more information on the standard vs. limited 203k, see: Should You Choose A Standard Or Limited 203k?
What you can’t do with the 203k loan
While FHA 203k guidelines are fairly lenient, there are some things you cannot use the rehab funds for. For example:
- Minor landscaping
- Adding a luxury amenity like a tennis court, barbecue area, or swimming pool
- Projects that will take longer than 6 months
In these cases, other options might be a better fit, such as getting a home equity loan after purchase, or other alternatives mentioned in the next section.
Home renovation loan alternatives
There are several reasons the FHA 203k might not be your best option.
You may need only a few thousand dollars for minor work, for example. Or your renovation might be too luxurious or pricey for FHA guidelines. You might want to do the work yourself.
Or you’d prefer a loan that doesn’t require mortgage insurance for life.
In that case, there are other loans, and at least one might be a better fit:
- Home equity loan — Also called a second mortgage, these usually fixed-rate mortgages have higher interest rates, but cost less to originate and don’t require mortgage insurance. They are great for projects requiring a large sum upfront. The catch is that you need some home equity now, before you improve the property, because second mortgage lenders typically lend up to 90 percent of the as-is property value
- HELOC — The home equity line of credit is a good option when you need flexibility or don’t need to borrow a lot at once. It usually has a variable interest rate, and you pay interest on the amounts you draw out. You can repay and re-use it up to your limit. Setup costs are low-to-none. Like the second mortgage, you need some existing home equity to get a HELOC
- Fannie Mae’s HomeStyle mortgage — This loan program allows you to buy and rehab a home with just 5% down. It does not require a 1.75% upfront mortgage insurance premium like FHA does. And if your credit is good, your monthly mortgage insurance is cheaper as well. Finally, you get to cancel mortgage insurance once you have 22% home equity
- Cash-out refinance — Like a HELOC or home equity loan, a cash-out refinance can tap into your existing home equity to finance your home improvements. But rather than adding a second mortgage, the new loan would also replace your existing mortgage along with providing cash for renovations. This is a great option when you’re refinancing to a shorter loan term or a lower interest rate compared to your current mortgage
For more information and help deciding which type of loan to use, see: 6 types of home improvement loans — which one is best for you?
Using the 203k loan step by step
Here are the steps you’ll complete when buying a fixer-upper with an FHA 203k loan.
It’s a little different from a “regular” loan, because you’ll be submitting your list of home improvements, and the loan doesn’t completely fund until the improvements are complete.
- Find a lender approved to do 203k home improvement loans. Get several mortgage quotes so you can be confident that you’re getting a good deal
- Apply for your home loan and get a pre-approval letter
- Find a property. Make sure that your offer contains language indicating that you need a 203k loan in order to complete the purchase. Note that your maximum loan amount calculation is different for purchases. Check out HUD’s Maximum Mortgage Worksheet for more information
- Find an FHA 203k consultant if your home improvement costs will exceed approximately $31,000. This person will arrange for a detailed proposal from licensed contractors. It will contain the scope of the work to be done and a detailed cost estimate
- Find a contractor to write an estimate of the work needed and materials required. You aren’t allowed to do the work yourself unless you are a professional, full-time builder
- The lender, after giving you the okay, will get your home appraised (with and without improvements)
- After the appraisal, your loan can close and contractors can begin work on the home renovations
When the loan closes and funds, the seller gets paid. The rest of the money from your lender goes into your escrow account.
The lender (or its agent) releases escrowed funds to the contractor as work is completed.
Once your contractor completes the work, you own a renovated house that may already be worth more than you paid for it.
That’s a sound investment as well as a home customized to your needs.
Verify your 203k loan program eligibility (Oct 9th, 2020)Benefits: An FHA 203k loan lets you build equity fast
The buy-and-rehab strategy can give home buyers instant equity, and a lot of it.
Homes in need of repair or updating can be had on the cheap, and the fixes may not be very expensive at all.
For instance, a house potentially worth $250,000 may sell for just $200,000 when it needs only $20,000 in repairs. That leaves $30,000 in potential equity for a buyer with the initiative to manage the fixes.
According to real estate data website Realtytrac, the median home price in a “distressed” sale was 42 percent lower than the price netted in non-distressed situations. That’s a big discount.
The problem comes, however, when the buyer goes to finance the home purchase.
Most mortgage programs require homes to be in near-top shape before the loan is approved.
That’s where the FHA 203k rehab loan comes in.
The Federal Housing Administration’s (FHA) 203k loan allows buyers to finance the home up to $35,000 in repairs with one loan.
It’s possible to have lower monthly payments and higher equity in your home the moment you move in, compared to your friends and neighbors.
Downsides of the 203k loan program
As you would expect, there are some pluses and minuses with the 203k loan program.
The benefits are undeniable. You could:
- Gain instant equity
- Deal with less competition to buy the home
- Gain valuable experience remodeling a home
But with every reward comes the preliminary work. The 203k loan is no exception.
As stated above, you will have to secure reputable contractors, and be uber-diligent about having them complete paperwork.
Don’t be surprised if the lender requires you to send a bid back to the contractor two or three times for missing information.
You will also have to decide on the upgrades that are within your budget. That can be exciting, but also stressful. You’ll have to make decisions quickly to ensure the loan approval stays on track.
In addition, the loan process will take more time than a standard loan.
You are increasing paperwork requirements by 2 to 3 times compared to a standard loan.
Go into the process expecting and embracing that fact. Don’t think that you’ll be the exception that closes the loan in fifteen days. Set realistic expectations with the seller!
Are you ready to tackle these relatively minor inconveniences to reap the benefits? Then a 203k loan is probably the right loan for you.
FHA 203k rehab loan FAQ
Generally, most applicants who would qualify for an FHA loan will be approved for a 203k loan, too.
You must have at least a 580 credit score (though some lenders require 620-640); at least a 3.5% down payment based on purchase price plus repair costs; adequate income to repay the loan; not too much existing debt; and U.S. citizenship or lawful permanent residency. In addition, you must be purchasing a home you plan to live in.
The 203k process includes a few extra steps compared to a standard FHA loan.
First you will apply and get approved. Then you find a contractor, get repair bids, and determine your final loan amount including construction costs.
Next, the mortgage company has to underwrite and approve your loan. After that the loan can close, the contractor can start renovations, and the mortgage company will pay them as construction is completed.
After a final inspection, you’re free to move into your new home.
The 203k loan covers the full purchase price of the home plus any eligible repairs (non-structural repairs for the “Limited 203k” program). For example, if the home price is $250,000 and $20,000 in repairs are needed, the new loan will be $270,000 plus a required contingency or “buffer” percentage.
You can borrow up to 110 percent of the property’s proposed future value, or the home price plus repair costs, whichever is less. But note that your total purchase price plus repair costs must still fall within FHA loan limits for the area. Look up your local limit here.
A 203k loan can be well worth the extra effort, especially if you can buy a home at a discount. For instance, a buyer pays $200,000 for a run-down home, but does $20,000 in repairs. Because the home is now in “turn-key” condition, it would be worth $240,000 on the open market. The buyer gains $20,000 in equity immediately. This scenario is not uncommon in today’s market.
No. These loans are only available to buyers who plan to live in the home for the foreseeable future. Yes, you are able to sell the home someday, but you can’t enter into the transaction knowing you will sell the house as soon as it’s fixed up.
No. Only permanent, attached upgrades are allowed to be financed. Appliances are okay, but not furniture which does not add value to the home and can be removed.
Like all FHA loans, the 203k has a low down payment requirement. The loan requires you to put down 3.5% of the total purchase price plus repair costs and required contingency (“buffer”) costs.
For instance, a $200,000 home with $30,000 in repair and contingency costs would require a down payment of $8,050 (3.5% of $230,000).
Keep in mind that closing costs apply and are in addition to the down payment. Closing costs for a 203k loan are typically between 3% to 6% of the purchase price.
You must live in the home as your primary residence for 12 months before renting it out or selling.
It will likely take 60 days or more to close a 203k loan, whereas a typical FHA loan might take 30-45 days. There is more paperwork involved with a 203k, plus a lot of back and forth with your contractor to get the final bids. Don’t expect to close a 203k loan in 30 days or less.
Usually, no. You must choose licensed contractors for all work. The only exception is if you are licensed and a full-time contractor by trade. In these cases, some lenders may approve DIY work.
Yes. You can choose a 203k loan with an adjustable-rate (ARM) or a fixed rate (30- or 15-year term). An adjustable-rate could save you money, especially when rates are high, if you plan to sell the home soon after the first year you own it.
Yes. Along with the usual closing costs, expect an extra supplemental origination fee of about 1.5% of the loan amount. And, you’ll be charged a HUD consultant fee depending on the size of your project. This fee typically ranges from $400 to $1,000.
An FHA 203k loan can help you gain immediate equity in your home by financing home improvements that add value right away. However, the application process takes more time and more attention to detail when compared to a standard FHA or conventional loan.
Can I refinance into a 203k loan?
Most people use the FHA 203k loan to buy a home, but it can be used for refinancing, too.
As long as you have at least $5,000 in improvements, you can use this refi option.
The lender will order an appraisal that shows two values: the “as-is” or current property value, and the “improved value” after renovations.
Your maximum refinance loan amount (subject to FHA loan limits) is the lowest of these three calculations:
- The existing debt before rehab, plus the estimated cost of improvements and allowable closing costs
- The as-is value plus rehab costs
- 110 percent of the after-improved value x 97.75%
If you have owned the property for less than one year, the lender must use acquisition cost, plus the documented rehabilitation costs, for your maximum loan amount.
You do not need to have an existing FHA loan to use an FHA 203k loan for refinancing.
How do I apply?
It’s always wise to shop around and find the best lender. But with a 203k loan you may not always want the lender with the lowest interest rate.
It’s often better to accept a higher interest rate if it’s coming from a lender with lots more 203k loan experience than the lender who’s offering a lower rate.
This is a rare exception in mortgage shopping in which
the lowest rate may not be in your best interest.
In the world of 203k loans, contractors and lender experience is typically more of a consideration than cost.
Complete a short form at this link, and check your eligibility for a 203k loan from a lender in our network.
You’ll receive a rate quote, eligibility check, and further advice on whether the loan is right for you.
Verify your new rate (Oct 9th, 2020)
