Purchasing a home that requires repairs and renovations can seem impractical. Generally, lenders don’t allow homeowners to purchase the property until after repairs are completed; however, an FHA 203k loan allows property owners to roll home renovation costs into the mortgage before making any changes to the property. By applying for the loan, individuals have the tools to reach their goals and obtain the home of their dreams.
Estimate the Costs
Although the cost of the home provides a basic idea of the overall price of the property, it’s not enough for a 203k renovation loan. Before applying for a 203k mortgage, estimate the cost of the renovations or the changes that the property requires before you move into the space.
Renovations depend on the severity of the damage to the property or the changes that you need to put into the house. For example, changing a kitchen will cost significantly less than fixing the entire house or working on structural damage that requires immediate repairs for the safety of the homeowner.
Work with a contractor to estimate the final costs of the renovation project. Keep in mind that some complications, like unexpected water damage, structural damage or even changing out the pipes in the kitchen or bathroom, impact the cost and might change the final cost when compared to the estimate. Use the estimate form a contractor to evaluate the final cost of the house and the loan you need.
Get a Credit Report
Ask for a credit report and read through the information before applying for a loan. Although you can get a loan from Prospect Mortgage with different credit ratings, you’ll want to make sure that the bank has accurate information. Look for any mistakes in your historical data and correct any errors before asking for a home renovation loan.
The best renovation loan rates depend on your credit score as well as your debt to income ratio. You want an excellent credit rating for the best rates on your home loan.
Obtain Appropriate Paperwork
The paperwork required for a 203k mortgage depends on your situation. Generally, you need to provide proof of income, tax returns for a few years and proof of identity. You might also need to provide an estimate for the cost of the work on the home you plan to purchase and an official appraisal of the property for an estimated current value.
Lenders use the value of your home as a starting point for the loan; however, the cost of the house increases after you make renovations and changes to the property. The return on your investment will vary based on the project, but a lender will want to know the current value of the house before providing a loan.
Recognize your Debt to Income Ratio
A debt-to-income ratio refers to the percentage of debt you pay when compared to your income. Generally, an FHA home improvement loan sets limitations on the overall debt to income ratio so that you do not exceed an amount that you can easily pay.
As a general rule, lenders will not allow you to take out a loan that exceeds roughly 30% of your total income. Exact amounts depend on other debts and financial responsibilities, so expect some variation in the actual loan amount. While you can obtain a loan from Prospect Mortgage to purchase and renovate a home, you must recognize the limitations of any credit you currently use on the final amount. You want enough to pay for the changes without exceeding your ability to make payments on your loan.
Applying for a loan requires appropriate paperwork and information. When you want a 203k mortgage, you must prepare for the renovations as well as the purchase. Expect some variation in the actual amounts that a lender approves based on your credit rating, your income and the property.
Photo Credit: lmldolz
Great post Len. Extremely helpful info. Particularly the last part! I’ll look into this. Thank you.
Each house loan program will have its own individual set of rules. Try taking advantage of the first time home buyers tax credit. The one big problem is that mortgage money for first time home buyers can be hard to find.
Homebuyers with good credit scores typically never have to worry about getting home loans, Lila.
The 203K mortgage is an interesting idea! We’ve bought several fixer-uppers and always renovated on a ‘pay as you go’ schedule, taking several years to finish each place. We also lived in the places as we renovated, which makes for some GREAT stories! But not every marriage can handle that and this mortgage sounds like a nice alternative!
It’s likely that some of the folks who follow this blog have been sellers of housing which cannot meet FHA standards for a loan. The program referenced here was a godsend for my wife, who owned an historic old house in Virginia that could not have been sold any other way.
Fantastic! Good to know that they do work as intended, Dave.