Many people are considering whether it is the right time to renovate or remodel their homes. Some are also considering improving their commercial properties, but they might wonder whether they could receive loan approval, especially in these difficult times. But whether you are looking to purchase a bargain house or remodeling a property to suit your new needs, an FHA 203K mortgage loan might be just the thing that could help you.
The FHA 203k Loan, Explained
The 203k loan combines the purchase, renovation, and refinancing costs involved in a mortgage. Often the loan only covers residential properties that require renovation or rebuilding, and the amount you indicate in the loan should include the price and the repair costs. If approved, you might need to pay higher monthly mortgage payments, since these are several loans combined in one. You need to ask your broker or seek the services of a property lawyer to help you understand the program and its requirements, especially if you need the loan for a property you intend to lease or has multiple purposes.
There are two versions of the FHA 203k loan: the standard and the limited loan. If your home or property requires serious repairs or improvements, you would have to apply for the standard loan. You need to include design and architectural blueprints if you wish to remove or add sections of the property. You also need to make it open for the lender to check. The limited loan is less strict but has a cap of $35,000. It also requires that the property should be habitable during the entire process of the renovation.
There’s no minimum limit for the number of renovation work you want, but the limited loan should only reach the cap, while the standard loan could reach the FHA’s lending limits. Those who choose the standard loan could add six months of payments for the period in which the property is undergoing construction. Limited loan payments can be done in two phases: at the start of the project and in its conclusion. Often these e payments are half of the total loan.
Could I Use it for a Commercial Property?
Most people think a 203k loan is only suitable for residential properties, but you can use it if your home is both residential and commercial. But the commercial areas need to be at least 25% of the property for one-story structures; 33% for three-story buildings; and 49% of the entire floor area when there are two levels. You could use the loan to construct and rehabilitate only the residential areas and must make sure that the people residing in your property will not be affected.
Is it Right for Me?
An FHA 203k loan should be part of your consideration if you do not have the cash to buy a new property or you wish to renovate a commercial property that doubles as your residence. You should also consider it if you have residential properties on lease to make sure that your investments will be in good condition even in these difficult times. Ask the right professionals who know how to handle FHA 203k loans so your renovation or reconstruction goes as planned.
