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The purchase of a house that needs repair is often a catch-22 situation. The bank won’t lend the money to buy the house until the repairs are complete, and the repairs can’t be done until the house has been purchased.
The FHA 203(k) Rehab Loan Program can help you with this dilemma. It allows you to purchase a property plus include in the loan the cost of making the repairs and improvements with a single mortgage. It is available to persons wanting to purchase or who own a 1-4 family owner-occupied property.
The total amount of your mortgage will be based on the projected value of your home after the renovation is complete, taking into account the cost of the work to be done. A portion of the loan is used to buy the new home, or in the case of a refinance, to pay-off any existing debt. The remainder of the loan proceeds are placed in an account for your benefit and released in stages as the rehabilitation work is completed.
Here are the Steps to a Successful Closing of a FHA 203(k) Loan:• A potential homebuyer locates a fixer-upper and executes a sales contract after doing a feasibility analysis of the property with their Realtor. The contract should state that the buyer is seeking a 203(k) loan and that the contract is contingent on loan approval based on additional required repairs by the FHA or the lender.
• Within 7 to 10 days of signing the purchase agreement. the buyer should obtain an inspection of the property by a professional Home Inspector, a termite company and a well/septic inspector (when applicable) to make sure there are no unseen problems with the property.
• The buyer is also required to work with an FHA Approved Consultant who will inspect the property along with the borrower to determine what repairs are needed to meet minimum FHA requirements. The borrower will also indicate any additional work they wish to have done to the property.
The Consultant will provide the buyer with a Work Write-up/Specification of Repairs which includes the Consultant’s cost estimate for completion of the project.
• The buyer will then select a contractor to perform the work. All rehab work must be performed by an experienced, licensed contractor and satisfy all lender requirements. All subcontractors must be licensed as well. FHA does not allow borrowers to use relatives as their contractor. “Self-Help” is not allowed either.
• A Homeowner/Contractor Agreement is executed between the borrowers and the contractor to ensure that a contractor is in place who will be able to complete the work for the loan amount.
The Homeowner/Contractor Agreement will include a detailed proposal (Plans and Specs) from the contractor showing the scope of the work to be done and including a detailed cost estimate on each repair of improvement of the project. This estimate must ultimately match $ for $ with the Consultant’s Work Write-up/Specification of Repairs. All work must be completed within 6 months of closing the loan.
• The Buyer is then ready to submit a formal application to the lender. The loan amount will include the agreed on purchase price for the property plus the estimated cost to rehab the property. The amount of the loan could also include a contingency reserve of 10% to 20% of the total remodeling costs and would be used to cover any extra work not included in the original proposal. It can also include up to 6 months of mortgage payments if the borrower is not going to live in the property during construction.
♦ The total loan cannot exceed FHA’s maximum mortgage limit for the area.
♦ The 203k loan requires a minimum 3.5% down payment based on the total amount of the home’s purchase price plus the cost of repairs.
• An “After Improved” Appraisal is ordered to determine the value of the property after the project is completed as compared to similar properties in the neighborhood.
• When the borrower passes the lender’s credit-worthiness test and the project meets FHA Guidelines, the loan closes for an amount that will cover the purchase or refinance cost of the property, the remodeling costs and the allowable closing costs.
• At closing, the seller of the property is paid off and the remaining funds are put in an escrow account to pay for the repairs and improvements during the rehabilitation period.
• The mortgage payments and remodeling begin after the loan closes. The borrower can decide to have up to six mortgage payments (PITI) put into the cost of rehabilitation if the property is not going to be occupied during construction, but it cannot exceed the length of time it is estimated to complete the rehab.
• Escrowed funds are released to the contractor during construction through a series of draw requests for completed work. To ensure completion of the job, 10% of each draw is held back; this money is paid after the lender determines there will be no liens on the property.
ELIGIBLE 203K IMPROVEMENTS
FHA 203k loans are offered only on 1-4 family owner-occupied properties. A full FHA 203k allows for complete renovations and rehabs of properties where the improvement cost exceeds $35,000. A Streamline FHA 203k may be used when the cost of the project ranges from $5,000 to $35,000.
The types of Improvements that borrowers may make using full FHA 203k financing include:
• Structural alterations and reconstruction
• Repair or replacing well and/or septic system
• Roofing, siding and gutters
• Major Landscape work and site improvements
• Enhancing accessibility for a disabled person
• Additions
• Kitchen and Bathroom renovations 
• Replace/Upgrade existing HVAC systems
• Replacement windows and doors
• Finish Basements and Waterproofing
• Plumbing and Electrical upgrade
• Appliances, Floor and Wall covering
• Elimination of health and safety hazards
Luxury Items that do not become permanent Part of the property are not eligible for improvements include; swimming pools, tennis/basketball courts, and hot tubs.
If you want to buy a home that needs repairs, FHA’s 203(k) may be a good option for you.
Reach out to me with any questions or concerns you may have about the program and to take advantage of my FREE Jump Start Mortgage Pre-Approval

Astute home buyers in select Connecticut communities are very interested in the USDA Guaranteed Rural Housing Development Loan.
They find this mortgage particularly attractive because they:
• Have the ability to finance 100% of the home’s appraised value – No Down Payment is required
• Don’t have to fear risking all their earned savings in a new home
• Can take advantage of today’s low-interest rates
• Afford a more expensive home and still enjoy low monthly payments
OVERVIEW
The USDA Guaranteed Rural Housing Development Loan offers many benefits to qualified buyers:
• Up to 100% Financing of the home’s Appraised Value – No Down Payment is required
• Ability to finance Closing Costs when the Appraised Value is higher than the sales price
• One 30 year fixed rate mortgage at low-interest rates
• Buyers with <20% down payment can afford higher priced listings because Monthly MI is cheaper than premiums associated with conventional and FHA mortgages
• No Pre-Payment Penalty. No Re-Capture Tax.
• No limit on Seller Contributions. No limit on Gift Funds
» No Cash Contribution required from buyer
• Credit Scores down to 620.
CAVEATS
The USDA Guaranteed Rural Housing Development Loan does have a few restrictions:
• The home must be in a USDA “designated rural area”
• Adjusted household income can not exceed established income limits
• Single-family Property only. Must be buyer’s’ primary residence
My expertise with the USDA Guaranteed Rural Housing Loan expands my ability to provide you with the “Right” home financing solution.
Call Me at 860.945.9284 to discuss your mortgage options and to take advantage of my FREE Jump Start Mortgage Pre-Approval service.
You just might be able to move into your new home in select areas of CT with little or no out-of-pocket money and low affordable monthly payments.
Summer is here and you’ve finally moved into your First Home. It’s time to kick back and relax a bit. Cookouts are an awesome way to begin making great memories with family and friends in your New Home. Here are some tips to a successful cookout that will keep guests wanting to come back for more. Which ones work best for you?
Lawn Games
Lawn games are an essential addition to a successful cookout. They help to break the ice between guests who may not know each other, and can also create some great memories. Croquet, ring toss and badminton are fun games for all ages that can be played as teams or individually. They are also great to help pass the time while food is on the grill!
Beverages
Requesting that your guests bring their own beverages can ensure everyone has exactly what they want to drink. It can also lower the amount you’re spending and lower the chance of running out of drinks before the party is over. Remember to get plenty of ice to keep all of those beverages nice and cold in a cooler.
Music
Music always helps get the party started. Try making a playlist ahead of time, or finding the right playlist on Spotify or Pandora, to help set the tone for the evening! Pop music, or throwback songs are always a great go-to.
Don’t Light the Grill Too Late
Lighting the grill too late could mean hungry house guests. Have the grill started just as the guests are arriving, giving them time to settle in and relax. A charcoal grill takes much more time to heat up than a gas grill does, so allow at least a 45-minute window for when you wish to start cooking.
Menu
When most people think of cookouts, they think of hamburgers and hot dogs on the grill. Don’t be afraid to spice things up! Adding a few chicken legs with barbecue sauce to the menu is a great choice that people are sure to enjoy if they aren’t in the mood for the standard cookout foods. Don’t be afraid to ask for help.
Hosting a party is stressful enough without having to worry about preparing all of the food. Ask your guests to bring a few different desserts or sides for dinner. They’ll be flattered you asked for their favorite recipe.
Remember the whole idea is to have fun in your New home. Enjoy!
Let me be the first to welcome you to 479 Mount Fair Drive in our desirable neighborhood in Watertown CT.
Formal living room and dining room, large country kitchen leads to large deck with mountain views. Family room with wood-burning fireplace and vaulted ceilings. 3 BRs including master Suite. Finished lower level for office or exercise/play area. Hardwood, carpet and tile floors. 2 car garage. Private back yard.
http://www.realtor.com/realestateandhomes-detail/479-Mount-Fair-Dr_Watertown_CT_06795_M34037-76065
I live down the street and around the corner from this Bright and airy colonial and welcome the opportunity to help make this house your home.
Call Me at 860.945.9284 to discuss the right mortgage option for your family and to take advantage of my FREE Jump Start Mortgage Pre-Approval service service.
Then call Sue Holway at Keller Williams to schedule a showing and be ready to make an offer.
