What is an FHA 203k Loan?
An FHA 203k loan is basically the same as a regular FHA [called a 203(b)], but with a twist. An FHA 203k loan
permits home buyers to finance repair/improvement money into their mortgage to repair, improve or upgrade their home. With this loan option, home buyers can quickly and easily tap into cash to pay for property repairs or improvements,
such as those identified by a 203k Consultant, FHA approved inspector, FHA appraiser or home buyer preferences (see list below). There are two types of FHA 203k Loans: Standard/Full (minimum rehab $5,000 up to FHA maximum loan amount) & the Streamline (minimum rehab $0 – $35,000…cannot exceed FHA maximum loan amount). The FHA 203k Standard/Full loan is more like a construction project, and the FHA Streamline 203k Loan is for more minor
improvements. CLICK HERE for the FHA maximum mortgage amounts for your area.
An over-simplified example: Purchase price is $100,000. Upgrades/Repairs/Improvements will cost $50,000.
Borrower’s base loan amount is $150,000 (not to exceed FHA maximum loan amount) and require a 3.5% down
payment.
What are the benefits of using an FHA 203k Loan?
The purchase of a house that needs repair is often a catch-22 situation, because 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. HUD’s FHA 203k loan program can help you with this quagmire and allow you to purchase or refinance a property plus include in
the loan, the cost of making the repairs and improvements. Plus the mortgage loan interest on the FHA 203k loan qualifies for the mortgage interest tax deductions like all other mortgage loans. So, the interest that the borrower pays on this
“construction” can be all tax deductible! The FHA 203k loan program improves the real estate market because it requires a property to actually be improved….not just purchased. Because of the improvement requirement with the FHA 203k loan
program, real estate values are increased, which helps other homeowners in the same neighborhood, invigorates communities, creates work for contractors and commerce is conducted by the purchasing of goods and services.
Simply put, the FHA 203k loan program improves everything associated with it.
Who qualifies for an FHA 203k Loan?
Any owner occupant primary residence borrower or qualified non-profit group who qualifies for an FHA loan can also qualify for an FHA 203k Loan. No investor purchases using the FHA 203k loan have been allowed since 1996 (If you are an investor looking to include a renovation into a mortgage, contact us as there are other loans available that may meet your needs that we can educate you on)
What type of properties qualify for an FHA 203k Loan?
An FHA 203k Loan can be used for one-to-four unit dwellings, such as Single Family Detached Homes, Duplexes,
Triplexes, 4-plexes, Condominiums (certain restrictions apply) and Mixed-Use Residential (certain restrictions apply).
Note: The 203k Loan is the perfect fit to purchase a foreclosed or short sale property in order to build in enough funds to
properly renovate the home!
What is the maximum loan amount for an FHA 203k Loan?
It depends on the county where the property is located. CLICK HERE for the FHA maximum mortgage amounts for your area. Or you may contact your FHA lender for this information.
What types of repairs and/or modifications are acceptable for an FHA 203k Loan?
Any repairs/improvements/modifications/modernizations that add value to and/or improve the property are acceptable for an FHA 203k Loan. The improvements must comply with HUD’s Minimum Property Standards (24 CFR 200.926d
and/or HUD Handbook 4905.1) and all local codes and ordinances. Structural modifications and any work in excess of $35,000 are NOT allowed for the FHA 203k Streamline, but the FHA 203k Standard/Full does allow for structural modifications, landscaping and for work in excess of $35,000. Luxury items such as swimming pools, BBQ’s, Gazebos,
spas, etc. are not allowed for any 203k loan. However, limited pool repair (max $1500-subject to lender approval)
is allowed on an FHA 203k loan. Examples of allowable repairs/modifications/renovations for the FHA 203k loan
(not an all-inclusive list):
- Repair/Replacement of roofs, gutters and downspouts
- Energy Efficient upgrades (windows, insulation, solar systems, etc.)
- Repair/Replacement/upgrade of HVAC (heating and cooling) systems
- Repair/Replacement of plumbing and electrical systems
- Repair/Replacement of flooring
- Kitchen Remodeling
- Painting, both interior and exterior
- Weatherization, including storm windows and doors, insulation, weather stripping, etc.
- Purchase and installation of appliances, including free-standing ranges, washer/dryers, refrigerators, dishwashers and microwave ovens
- Accessibility improvements for persons with disabilities
- Lead based paint stabilization or abatement of lead based paint hazards
- Repair/Replace/Add exterior decks, patios or porches
- Basement waterproofing
- Window and door replacements and exterior wall re-siding
- Septic system and/or well replacement
- Structural repairs/modifications (moving walls, repairing foundations, etc.)
Is there a minimum or a maximum rehab amount for an FHA 203k Loan?
FHA 203k Streamline: $0 minimum – $35,000 maximum*
FHA 203k Standard/Full: $5,000 minimum – no pre-set maximum*
*The maximum is always limited by lesser of the borrowers approval limit, the FHA maximum mortgage limit for the area or 110% of the improved appraised value.
Will my mortgage lender inspect the repairs/improvements?
According to HUD, for the Standard/Full 203k version, all work must be inspected by the 203k Consultant or the FHA appraiser prior the contractor receiving each draw/payment. According to HUD, on the Streamline 203k version,
for repairs in excess of $15,000, the Lender must perform or obtain an inspection of the completed work by a
third party. For repair costs not exceeding $15,000, the Lender is not required to perform, or have others perform, inspections of the completed work. However, the Lender or borrower may choose to obtain or perform
inspections if it believes such actions are necessary for program compliance and/or risk mitigation. Lenders may also
ensure that the repairs and/or improvements have been completed by obtaining contractor’s receipts or by a
signed Mortgagor’s Letter of Completion. If the Lender determines that an inspection(s) by a third party is necessary to ensure proper completion of the proposed repair or improvement item, the Lender may charge the borrower for the
costs of no more than two inspections per each contractor. To eliminate the need and cost for an inspection of the
completed repair(s) or improvement(s) when not exceeding $15,000, the Lender may accept receipts or proof of
completion of the work to the homeowner’s satisfaction from the contractor. Before a final release is made, the home
owner must sign a statement acknowledging that the work has been completed in a professional and satisfactory manner.
What is a contingency reserve?
A contingency reserve is 10%-20% of the repair/renovation amount and its purpose is in-case of any potential cost
overruns or unexpected expenses. A contingency reserve is usually required for the FHA 203k Standard/Full but none is required for the FHA 203k Streamline, but it should be. Any monies saved or not spent may be used to complete additional
work (subject to lender approval) or a one-time principle balance reduction in the mortgage amount.
Do I need to hire a HUD approved 203k Consultant?
For the FHA 203k Standard/Full, a HUD-approved 203k Consultant is required, but is NOT required for an FHA 203k
Streamline. However, you are allowed to hire anybody you think will help you to make good real estate decisions.
It is always recommended to utilize the skills and expertise a 203k Consultant for all 203k loans, because
they can add an extra layer of protection by providing a complete home inspection of the property. We encourge you to contact us to obtain a feasibility analysis of a home you are seriously considering purchasing. We will walk through the home with you and your agent and discuss the possible renovations and give you a rough figure to work off of. Once you have a ratified contract on the property, now is the time to call in the home inspector and Priority Home Solutions to prepare a work write up for your lender.
Can I do the work myself on an FHA 203k Loan?
YES, subject to your lender’s approval. However, if the borrower wants to do any work or be the general contractor, they must be qualified to do the work, and do it in a timely and workmanlike manner. This means that if you want to do the
work yourself or be your own General Contractor, then you MUST be skilled and licensed to do such work. It is very
important that the work be done in a time frame that will assure the completion of the work that will be agreed upon in
the Renovation Loan Agreement (signed at closing). A borrower doing their own work can only be paid for the cost of
the materials…never the labor. Contractor estimates are still usually required and the loan amount is usually based on
those estimates. Monies saved or not spent can be allocated to cost overruns, additional improvements, or a one-time
principle balance reduction. Because of lender overlays (internal additional rules and guidelines), a contractor will be required to perform the work the majority of the time. Many lenders require the use of a Class A Contractor.
What is a Certified 203k contractor?
Because neither HUD nor FHA certifies, approves or endorses remodeling/general contractors, there is no such thing
asa remodeling or general contractor being an FHA approved contractor for the FHA 203k loan. In 1995, HUD stopped approving builders/contractors and eliminated this approval process and the associated database, according to
Mortgagee Letter 95-97. Instead, HUD/FHA allow the borrower to hire whomever they want and require the lender
to determine that the selected contractor is acceptable for 203k work by verifying their license, insurance, references, experience, education and understanding of the 203k. Since HUD/FHA, consumers and lenders do not educate
contractors on the 203k, contractors complete the 203k Contractor Education course to receive their 203k education. Earning the designation as a Certified 203k Contractor is a validation that contractors present to consumers, lenders
and Realtors® to validate their competency, understanding and experience with the 203k [HUD's guidelines, time lines, paperwork, compensation structure, etc.. as well as the contractor's ability to afford the start-up costs of each 203k project]. The 203k Contractor Certification Program is mainly education and partly an approval process where a
contractor is educated on the 203k, their knowledge/understanding of the FHA 203k is verified and tested and business and customer references have been contacted and verified, as well as verification of licensing, insurance and financial stability. This education-based approval process exceeds all FHA lender underwriting guidelines and assures FHA lenders, Realtors® and consumers that these Certified 203k Contractors are as knowledgeable as possible on the 203k loan. All Certified 203k Contractors will be listed in this directory, should display the Certified 203k Contractor logo on their Websites and can provide you with a copy of their Certificate of Approval. Priority Home Solutions, LLC (A Virginia Class A Contractor) has been through this rigorous process and is proud to carry the 203k Contractor Certification designation (see the logo below).
How do the contractors get paid?
The contractors get paid in a series of draws by the borrower’s lender through escrowed funds. At closing, the lender places the rehab/improvement funds into an escrow account.
1st Type : FHA 203k Streamline
Contractors receive 2 payments. After closing on the home, contractors may receive up to 50% of the job cost as a pre-construction payment, subject to lender approval and may take weeks to arrive. So, contractors must be financially capable of
affording all the start-up costs and ongoing expenses with the 203k project (ample credit lines with suppliers and subs and/or sufficient capital/reserves). Once all the work is complete, the contractors can request final payment of the
remaining portion of the job cost according to the proposal that was submitted to and approved by the borrower and the lender.
2nd Type: FHA 203k Standard/Full
Contractors receive by default, 4 draws plus a final for payment. If the rehab exceeds $10,000, more draws can be authorized by approval from the borrower and lender before the loan closes. After closing on the home, there is no upfront money paid to contractors to offset the start-up costs. So, contractors must be financially capable of affording all the start-up costs and ongoing expenses with the 203k project (ample credit lines with suppliers and subs and/or sufficient capital/reserves). Contractors receive payment after stages of work are completed and inspected. For each draw request on the 203k Standard/Full, an inspection is required.
What costs/fees are involved with an FHA 203k Loan?
The borrower will incur the fees normally associated with an FHA loan (contact your lender and/or real estate agent for more detailed information). In addition, other costs may include:
- additional origination fees charged by 203k lenders (optional and not required by FHA)
- fees charged by contractors and consultants (estimates, inspections and re-inspections, etc.),
- slightly higher interest rate (typically 1/8%-1/2% more than traditional FHA loans) and
- a 10%-20% contingency reserve (added into the loan amount)
Can an investor use the FHA 203k Loan?
No. The borrower must be a primary residence owner occupant or a qualified non-profit group. Since 1996, there has
been a moratorium on investors using the FHA 203k loan.
Can I refinance my existing mortgage loan into an FHA 203k Loan?
Yes, you can refinance your existing mortgage into both versions of the FHA 203k loan. The FHA 203k loan is also
available for mortgage refinance transactions for those where the property is owned free-and clear. For the FHA 203k Streamlined Loan, only credit-qualifying “no cash out” refinance transactions with an appraisal are eligible. If the
borrower has owned the property for less than a year, the acquisition cost must be used to determine the maximum
mortgage amount. The requirement to use the lowest sales price within the last year does not apply to the FHA
203k Streamlined Loan.
What are the recommended steps to purchase a property using the FHA 203k Loan?
There are NO required steps or any specific order that items must be completed. However, to ensure a smooth real estate purchase, these are the recommended steps to purchase a home using an FHA 203k loan:
1) The Home Buyer/Borrower selects an FHA-approved 203k lender and real estate agent knowledgeable with the FHA 203k loan and then applies for the loan. (If you currently are not working with a Real Estate Agent or Lender and need a recommendation, click here for experienced practitioners)
2) The Home Buyer/Borrower locates a home and after doing a feasibility study of the property with their real estate agent and 203k Consultant and/or Contractor, a sales contract is executed. The contract should state that the buyer is seeking an FHA 203k loan and that the “contract is contingent on loan approval and buyer’s acceptance of additional required repairs by FHA/HUD or the lender .”
3) Then, during the inspection period (try to negotiate as long as an inspection period as possible - AT LEAST 10 days) …
- On the Standard/Full 203k, the Home Buyer/Borrower should obtain a Work Write-up from a HUD approved 203k Consultant showing the scope of work to be done, including a cost estimate on each repair or improvement of the project and then obtain a proposal from a Certified 203k Contractor showing the exact pricing and detailed analysis of work that will be completed. Then have the appraisal performed to determine the after-renovation value of the property.
- On the Streamline 203k, a HUD approved 203k Consultant or Contractor should provide a Feasibility Analysis or the 203k Consultant or an FHA approved inspector should perform the home inspection and detail the HUD minimum property
requirements. Then obtain a proposal from a Certified 203k Contractor and submit the proposal to the lender so that the lender can order the appraisal.
- On both versions, the appraisal, contractor’s proposal and the 203k Consultant’s work write-up (Standard 203k only) and Specifications of Repairs (Standard 203k only) are submitted to the lender for approval.
4) If the borrower passes the lender’s credit-worthiness test, the loan closes for an amount that will cover the purchase or refinance of the property, the remodeling costs plus any required contingency reserves, any allowable closing costs and
mortgage payments (only on Standard/Full 203k–up to 6 months).
5) At closing, the seller or previous mortgage of the property is paid off and the remaining funds are placed in an escrow account to pay for the repairs/improvements and any allowable closing costs and/or mortgage payments during the rehabilitation period.
6) You now own the home (or refinance is complete) and can begin the renovations.
7) Escrowed rehab 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 usually held back; this money is paid to the contractor after the lender determines there are no liens on the property.
8) For the 203k Streamline – The rehab work must start within 30 days after closing/funding, property must be livable within 30 days after closing, work may not cease for more than 30 consecutive days, the owner/borrower may not
be displaced from the property for more than 30 days, and all work must be completed within 6 months after closing. For the 203k Standard/Full– The rehab work must start within 30 days after closing/funding, the owner/borrower may be displaced from their home for more than 30 days (max 6 mortgage payments can be included in loan), work may not
cease for more than 30 consecutive days, and all the work needs to be completed within 6 months.
Where is the FHA 203k loan available?
An FHA 203k loan is available in all 50 US States.
If you have further questions, please give us a call or fill out the form on the CONTACT US page. We look forward to speaking with you.
An FHA 203k loan is basically the same as a regular FHA [called a 203(b)], but with a twist. An FHA 203k loan
permits home buyers to finance repair/improvement money into their mortgage to repair, improve or upgrade their home. With this loan option, home buyers can quickly and easily tap into cash to pay for property repairs or improvements,
such as those identified by a 203k Consultant, FHA approved inspector, FHA appraiser or home buyer preferences (see list below). There are two types of FHA 203k Loans: Standard/Full (minimum rehab $5,000 up to FHA maximum loan amount) & the Streamline (minimum rehab $0 – $35,000…cannot exceed FHA maximum loan amount). The FHA 203k Standard/Full loan is more like a construction project, and the FHA Streamline 203k Loan is for more minor
improvements. CLICK HERE for the FHA maximum mortgage amounts for your area.
An over-simplified example: Purchase price is $100,000. Upgrades/Repairs/Improvements will cost $50,000.
Borrower’s base loan amount is $150,000 (not to exceed FHA maximum loan amount) and require a 3.5% down
payment.
What are the benefits of using an FHA 203k Loan?
The purchase of a house that needs repair is often a catch-22 situation, because 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. HUD’s FHA 203k loan program can help you with this quagmire and allow you to purchase or refinance a property plus include in
the loan, the cost of making the repairs and improvements. Plus the mortgage loan interest on the FHA 203k loan qualifies for the mortgage interest tax deductions like all other mortgage loans. So, the interest that the borrower pays on this
“construction” can be all tax deductible! The FHA 203k loan program improves the real estate market because it requires a property to actually be improved….not just purchased. Because of the improvement requirement with the FHA 203k loan
program, real estate values are increased, which helps other homeowners in the same neighborhood, invigorates communities, creates work for contractors and commerce is conducted by the purchasing of goods and services.
Simply put, the FHA 203k loan program improves everything associated with it.
Who qualifies for an FHA 203k Loan?
Any owner occupant primary residence borrower or qualified non-profit group who qualifies for an FHA loan can also qualify for an FHA 203k Loan. No investor purchases using the FHA 203k loan have been allowed since 1996 (If you are an investor looking to include a renovation into a mortgage, contact us as there are other loans available that may meet your needs that we can educate you on)
What type of properties qualify for an FHA 203k Loan?
An FHA 203k Loan can be used for one-to-four unit dwellings, such as Single Family Detached Homes, Duplexes,
Triplexes, 4-plexes, Condominiums (certain restrictions apply) and Mixed-Use Residential (certain restrictions apply).
Note: The 203k Loan is the perfect fit to purchase a foreclosed or short sale property in order to build in enough funds to
properly renovate the home!
What is the maximum loan amount for an FHA 203k Loan?
It depends on the county where the property is located. CLICK HERE for the FHA maximum mortgage amounts for your area. Or you may contact your FHA lender for this information.
What types of repairs and/or modifications are acceptable for an FHA 203k Loan?
Any repairs/improvements/modifications/modernizations that add value to and/or improve the property are acceptable for an FHA 203k Loan. The improvements must comply with HUD’s Minimum Property Standards (24 CFR 200.926d
and/or HUD Handbook 4905.1) and all local codes and ordinances. Structural modifications and any work in excess of $35,000 are NOT allowed for the FHA 203k Streamline, but the FHA 203k Standard/Full does allow for structural modifications, landscaping and for work in excess of $35,000. Luxury items such as swimming pools, BBQ’s, Gazebos,
spas, etc. are not allowed for any 203k loan. However, limited pool repair (max $1500-subject to lender approval)
is allowed on an FHA 203k loan. Examples of allowable repairs/modifications/renovations for the FHA 203k loan
(not an all-inclusive list):
- Repair/Replacement of roofs, gutters and downspouts
- Energy Efficient upgrades (windows, insulation, solar systems, etc.)
- Repair/Replacement/upgrade of HVAC (heating and cooling) systems
- Repair/Replacement of plumbing and electrical systems
- Repair/Replacement of flooring
- Kitchen Remodeling
- Painting, both interior and exterior
- Weatherization, including storm windows and doors, insulation, weather stripping, etc.
- Purchase and installation of appliances, including free-standing ranges, washer/dryers, refrigerators, dishwashers and microwave ovens
- Accessibility improvements for persons with disabilities
- Lead based paint stabilization or abatement of lead based paint hazards
- Repair/Replace/Add exterior decks, patios or porches
- Basement waterproofing
- Window and door replacements and exterior wall re-siding
- Septic system and/or well replacement
- Structural repairs/modifications (moving walls, repairing foundations, etc.)
Is there a minimum or a maximum rehab amount for an FHA 203k Loan?
FHA 203k Streamline: $0 minimum – $35,000 maximum*
FHA 203k Standard/Full: $5,000 minimum – no pre-set maximum*
*The maximum is always limited by lesser of the borrowers approval limit, the FHA maximum mortgage limit for the area or 110% of the improved appraised value.
Will my mortgage lender inspect the repairs/improvements?
According to HUD, for the Standard/Full 203k version, all work must be inspected by the 203k Consultant or the FHA appraiser prior the contractor receiving each draw/payment. According to HUD, on the Streamline 203k version,
for repairs in excess of $15,000, the Lender must perform or obtain an inspection of the completed work by a
third party. For repair costs not exceeding $15,000, the Lender is not required to perform, or have others perform, inspections of the completed work. However, the Lender or borrower may choose to obtain or perform
inspections if it believes such actions are necessary for program compliance and/or risk mitigation. Lenders may also
ensure that the repairs and/or improvements have been completed by obtaining contractor’s receipts or by a
signed Mortgagor’s Letter of Completion. If the Lender determines that an inspection(s) by a third party is necessary to ensure proper completion of the proposed repair or improvement item, the Lender may charge the borrower for the
costs of no more than two inspections per each contractor. To eliminate the need and cost for an inspection of the
completed repair(s) or improvement(s) when not exceeding $15,000, the Lender may accept receipts or proof of
completion of the work to the homeowner’s satisfaction from the contractor. Before a final release is made, the home
owner must sign a statement acknowledging that the work has been completed in a professional and satisfactory manner.
What is a contingency reserve?
A contingency reserve is 10%-20% of the repair/renovation amount and its purpose is in-case of any potential cost
overruns or unexpected expenses. A contingency reserve is usually required for the FHA 203k Standard/Full but none is required for the FHA 203k Streamline, but it should be. Any monies saved or not spent may be used to complete additional
work (subject to lender approval) or a one-time principle balance reduction in the mortgage amount.
Do I need to hire a HUD approved 203k Consultant?
For the FHA 203k Standard/Full, a HUD-approved 203k Consultant is required, but is NOT required for an FHA 203k
Streamline. However, you are allowed to hire anybody you think will help you to make good real estate decisions.
It is always recommended to utilize the skills and expertise a 203k Consultant for all 203k loans, because
they can add an extra layer of protection by providing a complete home inspection of the property. We encourge you to contact us to obtain a feasibility analysis of a home you are seriously considering purchasing. We will walk through the home with you and your agent and discuss the possible renovations and give you a rough figure to work off of. Once you have a ratified contract on the property, now is the time to call in the home inspector and Priority Home Solutions to prepare a work write up for your lender.
Can I do the work myself on an FHA 203k Loan?
YES, subject to your lender’s approval. However, if the borrower wants to do any work or be the general contractor, they must be qualified to do the work, and do it in a timely and workmanlike manner. This means that if you want to do the
work yourself or be your own General Contractor, then you MUST be skilled and licensed to do such work. It is very
important that the work be done in a time frame that will assure the completion of the work that will be agreed upon in
the Renovation Loan Agreement (signed at closing). A borrower doing their own work can only be paid for the cost of
the materials…never the labor. Contractor estimates are still usually required and the loan amount is usually based on
those estimates. Monies saved or not spent can be allocated to cost overruns, additional improvements, or a one-time
principle balance reduction. Because of lender overlays (internal additional rules and guidelines), a contractor will be required to perform the work the majority of the time. Many lenders require the use of a Class A Contractor.
What is a Certified 203k contractor?
Because neither HUD nor FHA certifies, approves or endorses remodeling/general contractors, there is no such thing
asa remodeling or general contractor being an FHA approved contractor for the FHA 203k loan. In 1995, HUD stopped approving builders/contractors and eliminated this approval process and the associated database, according to
Mortgagee Letter 95-97. Instead, HUD/FHA allow the borrower to hire whomever they want and require the lender
to determine that the selected contractor is acceptable for 203k work by verifying their license, insurance, references, experience, education and understanding of the 203k. Since HUD/FHA, consumers and lenders do not educate
contractors on the 203k, contractors complete the 203k Contractor Education course to receive their 203k education. Earning the designation as a Certified 203k Contractor is a validation that contractors present to consumers, lenders
and Realtors® to validate their competency, understanding and experience with the 203k [HUD's guidelines, time lines, paperwork, compensation structure, etc.. as well as the contractor's ability to afford the start-up costs of each 203k project]. The 203k Contractor Certification Program is mainly education and partly an approval process where a
contractor is educated on the 203k, their knowledge/understanding of the FHA 203k is verified and tested and business and customer references have been contacted and verified, as well as verification of licensing, insurance and financial stability. This education-based approval process exceeds all FHA lender underwriting guidelines and assures FHA lenders, Realtors® and consumers that these Certified 203k Contractors are as knowledgeable as possible on the 203k loan. All Certified 203k Contractors will be listed in this directory, should display the Certified 203k Contractor logo on their Websites and can provide you with a copy of their Certificate of Approval. Priority Home Solutions, LLC (A Virginia Class A Contractor) has been through this rigorous process and is proud to carry the 203k Contractor Certification designation (see the logo below).
How do the contractors get paid?
The contractors get paid in a series of draws by the borrower’s lender through escrowed funds. At closing, the lender places the rehab/improvement funds into an escrow account.
1st Type : FHA 203k Streamline
Contractors receive 2 payments. After closing on the home, contractors may receive up to 50% of the job cost as a pre-construction payment, subject to lender approval and may take weeks to arrive. So, contractors must be financially capable of
affording all the start-up costs and ongoing expenses with the 203k project (ample credit lines with suppliers and subs and/or sufficient capital/reserves). Once all the work is complete, the contractors can request final payment of the
remaining portion of the job cost according to the proposal that was submitted to and approved by the borrower and the lender.
2nd Type: FHA 203k Standard/Full
Contractors receive by default, 4 draws plus a final for payment. If the rehab exceeds $10,000, more draws can be authorized by approval from the borrower and lender before the loan closes. After closing on the home, there is no upfront money paid to contractors to offset the start-up costs. So, contractors must be financially capable of affording all the start-up costs and ongoing expenses with the 203k project (ample credit lines with suppliers and subs and/or sufficient capital/reserves). Contractors receive payment after stages of work are completed and inspected. For each draw request on the 203k Standard/Full, an inspection is required.
What costs/fees are involved with an FHA 203k Loan?
The borrower will incur the fees normally associated with an FHA loan (contact your lender and/or real estate agent for more detailed information). In addition, other costs may include:
- additional origination fees charged by 203k lenders (optional and not required by FHA)
- fees charged by contractors and consultants (estimates, inspections and re-inspections, etc.),
- slightly higher interest rate (typically 1/8%-1/2% more than traditional FHA loans) and
- a 10%-20% contingency reserve (added into the loan amount)
Can an investor use the FHA 203k Loan?
No. The borrower must be a primary residence owner occupant or a qualified non-profit group. Since 1996, there has
been a moratorium on investors using the FHA 203k loan.
Can I refinance my existing mortgage loan into an FHA 203k Loan?
Yes, you can refinance your existing mortgage into both versions of the FHA 203k loan. The FHA 203k loan is also
available for mortgage refinance transactions for those where the property is owned free-and clear. For the FHA 203k Streamlined Loan, only credit-qualifying “no cash out” refinance transactions with an appraisal are eligible. If the
borrower has owned the property for less than a year, the acquisition cost must be used to determine the maximum
mortgage amount. The requirement to use the lowest sales price within the last year does not apply to the FHA
203k Streamlined Loan.
What are the recommended steps to purchase a property using the FHA 203k Loan?
There are NO required steps or any specific order that items must be completed. However, to ensure a smooth real estate purchase, these are the recommended steps to purchase a home using an FHA 203k loan:
1) The Home Buyer/Borrower selects an FHA-approved 203k lender and real estate agent knowledgeable with the FHA 203k loan and then applies for the loan. (If you currently are not working with a Real Estate Agent or Lender and need a recommendation, click here for experienced practitioners)
2) The Home Buyer/Borrower locates a home and after doing a feasibility study of the property with their real estate agent and 203k Consultant and/or Contractor, a sales contract is executed. The contract should state that the buyer is seeking an FHA 203k loan and that the “contract is contingent on loan approval and buyer’s acceptance of additional required repairs by FHA/HUD or the lender .”
3) Then, during the inspection period (try to negotiate as long as an inspection period as possible - AT LEAST 10 days) …
- On the Standard/Full 203k, the Home Buyer/Borrower should obtain a Work Write-up from a HUD approved 203k Consultant showing the scope of work to be done, including a cost estimate on each repair or improvement of the project and then obtain a proposal from a Certified 203k Contractor showing the exact pricing and detailed analysis of work that will be completed. Then have the appraisal performed to determine the after-renovation value of the property.
- On the Streamline 203k, a HUD approved 203k Consultant or Contractor should provide a Feasibility Analysis or the 203k Consultant or an FHA approved inspector should perform the home inspection and detail the HUD minimum property
requirements. Then obtain a proposal from a Certified 203k Contractor and submit the proposal to the lender so that the lender can order the appraisal.
- On both versions, the appraisal, contractor’s proposal and the 203k Consultant’s work write-up (Standard 203k only) and Specifications of Repairs (Standard 203k only) are submitted to the lender for approval.
4) If the borrower passes the lender’s credit-worthiness test, the loan closes for an amount that will cover the purchase or refinance of the property, the remodeling costs plus any required contingency reserves, any allowable closing costs and
mortgage payments (only on Standard/Full 203k–up to 6 months).
5) At closing, the seller or previous mortgage of the property is paid off and the remaining funds are placed in an escrow account to pay for the repairs/improvements and any allowable closing costs and/or mortgage payments during the rehabilitation period.
6) You now own the home (or refinance is complete) and can begin the renovations.
7) Escrowed rehab 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 usually held back; this money is paid to the contractor after the lender determines there are no liens on the property.
8) For the 203k Streamline – The rehab work must start within 30 days after closing/funding, property must be livable within 30 days after closing, work may not cease for more than 30 consecutive days, the owner/borrower may not
be displaced from the property for more than 30 days, and all work must be completed within 6 months after closing. For the 203k Standard/Full– The rehab work must start within 30 days after closing/funding, the owner/borrower may be displaced from their home for more than 30 days (max 6 mortgage payments can be included in loan), work may not
cease for more than 30 consecutive days, and all the work needs to be completed within 6 months.
Where is the FHA 203k loan available?
An FHA 203k loan is available in all 50 US States.
If you have further questions, please give us a call or fill out the form on the CONTACT US page. We look forward to speaking with you.
A special thanks to 203kContractors.com and the 203K Contractor Program for providing much
of the above FAQ content. Virginia203k.com and Priority Home Solutions, LLC is proud to be a
203k Certified Contractor through 203K Contractor Program.
of the above FAQ content. Virginia203k.com and Priority Home Solutions, LLC is proud to be a
203k Certified Contractor through 203K Contractor Program.