Since 1978, the Federal Housing Administration (FHA) has offered a 203(k) Rehabilitation Mortgage Insurance program that provides 203(k) loans. A 203(k) loan allows prospective and current home loan borrowers to buy, renovate, or repair single-family properties.
This loan program is intended to make it easier for homebuyers, homeowners, and nonprofit organizations to qualify for mortgages. Since a 203K loan is backed by the federal government, more financial institutions may be willing to make loan offers to individuals and entities that have lower credit scores.
A traditional renovation loan typically comes with high-interest rates and short repayment terms. But with an FHA loan, borrowers may be able to get a home loan with an extended repayment plan and choose between a fixed or variable rate.
The best type of interest rate depends on a borrower’s repayment preferences. Fixed interest rates are ideal for borrowers that want consistent monthly mortgage payments, while variable rates are for borrowers that want a flexible payment that changes according to the market. Before you apply for a home loan, consider your monthly budget and how much you can afford to pay on a loan.
What Are the Two Types of 203k Loans?
There are two different types of 203(k) loans: Standard and Limited. The best option for you depends on the loan amount you need and the type of repairs or renovations you intend to make on the real estate property.
A portion of both FHA loan programs is used to pay the seller. If the 203(k) loan is refinancing a current mortgage, then a portion will pay off the existing home loan. If there is money left over after paying off a mortgage, then it is kept in an escrow account until the repairs are done.
The Standard 203(k) Program
This 203k loan is for remodeling and extensive structural repairs on a property. The minimum repair cost must meet or exceed $5,000. In order to be eligible, the borrower must work with a 203(k) consultant that ensures all FHA minimum standards are met during the loan process. All 203(k) consultants are certified by the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). An FHA-approved lender must have special expertise to originate a Standard 203(k) loan.
The duties of a consultant include, but are not limited to:
- Visiting the property.
- Completing the work write-up.
- Completing the cost estimate and architectural exhibits.
- Performing draw request inspections.
The Limited 203(k) Program
The FHA created the Limited 203(k) program in 2005 to help buyers and existing homeowners finance minor remodeling projects and non-structural repairs. Although there is no minimum repair amount for Limited 203(k) loans, eligible projects cannot exceed $35,000. One benefit of the Limited 203(k) program is that any FHA-approved lender may originate the loan.
What Type of Projects Can I Finance With an FHA 203 K Loan?
You can use FHA 203(k) loans to complete various types of home repairs and renovation projects. But if you have specific projects you want to do, you should first verify eligible uses for Section 203(k) Financing.
This is a complete list of improvements you can make to a property with FHA loans:
- Make structural changes.
- Reconstruct the building.
- Modernize and improve a home’s function.
- Eliminate health and safety hazards.
- Recondition or replace plumbing.
- Install a well or septic tank.
- Add or replace a roof, gutters, or downspouts.
- Add or replace floors and/or floor treatments.
- Complete major landscape work.
- Add or improve accessibility for a disabled individual.
- Make energy conservation improvements.
What Are the Qualification Requirements for 203K FHA Loans?
If you are interested in getting a 203(k) loan, know that you must meet the qualifying requirements for a standard FHA loan.
Credit Score Criteria
Borrowers with low credit scores typically find it challenging to qualify for funding, but you may still be eligible for a 203k loan! The minimum credit score requirement is 500 points. Unfortunately, scores lower than 499 points are not eligible to get an FHA 203(k) loan. But remember that the maximum financing amount you can get depends entirely on your credit history.
These are the FHA loan limits based on credit scores:
- 580 and Up — Borrowers may be eligible to get maximum financing of 96.5%.
- 500 to 579 — Borrowers may be eligible to get financing up to 90%.
If your credit score is lower than 500, and you have time to search for the perfect property, consider taking steps toward increasing your creditworthiness. Improving your credit can help you take advantage of a higher FHA loan limit. The two main factors that affect credit scores the most include your payment history and total debt. Ensuring you never miss a monthly payment and reducing your total outstanding debt can help boost your creditworthiness.
Income Limits
There is no income limit to participate in the 203(k) Rehabilitation Mortgage Insurance program. While some federal loans do have income limits, you do not need to worry about making more than a specific amount to be eligible for 203(k) loans.
Borrower Status
You do not have to be a first-time home buyer to qualify for a 203(k) loan. The program is open to all interested borrowers, including homeowners that want to refinance an existing mortgage.
Occupancy and Ownership Status
The 203(k) Rehabilitation Mortgage Insurance program is only for borrowers that intend to occupy the property—investors are ineligible. However, local governments and nonprofits may qualify if they get approval through FHA’s Homeownership Centers.
Any property a borrower intends to repair with a 203k loan must be complete with construction for at least one year. This requirement ensures that the loan is only used to repair existing homes and is not used to build new real estate properties.
The 203k loan can be used in conjunction with the Section 203(h) Mortgage Insurance for Disaster Victims program. If a home was damaged due to a disaster, then the age of the property does not matter. The damaged property can also be completely destroyed, but it must retain the complete original foundation.
Property Type
Only specific types of property can use 203(k) insurance for repairs or renovations. The following property types are eligible:
- One- to four-unit single-family structures.
- Individual condominium units in an FHA-approved condominium project.
- Ground-only or “site” condominium units.
- Manufactured housing (rehabilitation must not affect structural components).
- Mixed-use property with one to four units (over half of the property’s square footage must be for residential use).
- HUD real estate owned (REO) property.
How Much of a Down Payment Do I Need for an FHA Loan?
The minimum down payment for a purchase loan through an FHA program is 3.5% of the loan amount. Suppose you get a loan worth $150,000. In that case, you would need to provide at least $5,250 for the down payment. The good news is that borrowers can acquire the funds for the down payment through a variety of sources.
The FHA accepts funds from one of these six categories:
- Cash and savings or checking account funds.
- Investment funds.
- Gifts.
- Money from the sale of personal or real property.
- Loans and grants.
- Employer assistance.
Alternative Loan Options for Home Renovations and Repairs
If you do not qualify to take advantage of the 203(k) Rehabilitation Mortgage Insurance program, know there are alternative options. You may still be able to finance home improvements through a different type of loan. The best loan option for you depends on the type of property you have/buy, your financial background, and your repayment preferences.
USDA Housing Repair Loans and Grants Program
The Rural Housing Repair Loans and Grants program helps low-income homeowners get loans and grants to repair or renovate their rural properties. Interested borrowers must fill out an application form on the USDA website.
Housing Repair Loans
The maximum loan amount through this program is $20,000. Loans can last up to 20 years, and borrowers receive a 1% interest rate. Unlike traditional home loans, these USDA loans do not have fees or prepayment penalties. In order to be eligible for a loan, you must be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident with a very low income. The USDA defines very low income as earning less than 50% of the median income in your area. The home you intend to repair must also be in a rural area.
Housing Repair Grants
Grants up to $7,500 are available. Grants are given to U.S. citizens or permanent residents who are 62 years of age or older with very low income. Grant money received through the Rural Housing Repair Loans and Grants program may only be used on specific repairs or improvements that remove health and safety hazards. If a borrower is capable of repaying a portion of the cost may receive a loan/grant combo. The combined loan/grant maximum amount is $27,500.
Direct Home Loans for Native Americans
The Native American Direct Loan (NADL) program provides mortgage loans to Native American veterans. These loans can be used to buy, construct, or improve housing on Federal Trust land or refinance existing mortgages to get a lower interest rate. Veterans that are not Native American may still qualify if they are married to a Native American non-Veteran.
In order to be eligible for a NADL, applicants must meet the following requirements:
- The applicant must be an eligible Veteran (Commissioned Officers of the Public Health Service and National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration qualify as active duty members and Veterans after discharge).
- The applicant must intend to use the loan to purchase, construct, or improve a home on Native American trust land.
- The tribal organization or Native American group must have signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the Secretary of Veterans Affairs.
- The applicant must apply for a Certificate of Eligibility.
- The applicant must occupy the property as his/her residence.
- The applicant must be creditworthy.
If you are interested in applying for a NADL, you must contact your local housing authority and Veterans Administration to discuss your financial situation and qualification status. You may also visit the NADL program website for further details.
Cash-Out Refinance Loan
The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) offers a Cash-Out Refinance Loan that helps homeowners trade the equity in their home for cash. The VA will guarantee loans up to 100% of the value of the property.
Cash-Out Refinance Loans are meant for the following expenses:
- Getting cash for closing costs.
- Paying off existing debt.
- Making home improvements.
- Paying off existing liens.
- Refinancing non-VA loans into VA loans.
VA-guaranteed loans do not have a maximum loan amount, but there is a max repayment length of 30 years. Loans have a market interest rate, and the applicant must pay a VA funding fee. However, these loans do not have prepayment penalties, so you can pay off the loan early.
In order to obtain a VA-guaranteed loan, the applicant must be one of the following:
- A veteran.
- A Reserve or National Guard member called to active duty.
- An active duty service member.
- A current Reserve or Guard member with 6 years of creditable service.
- A surviving spouse.
Interested applicants need a valid Certificate of Eligibility (COE) to apply. You may be able to obtain a COE online through eBenefits. If you cannot obtain a COE online, you can ask your lender if you qualify to receive a COE through the Automated Certificate of Eligibility (ACE) program.
Home Equity Loan
A home equity loan, also known as a second mortgage, is a loan option for homeowners that have equity in their property. Eligible borrowers may be able to get more money with a home equity loan than with an FHA-backed loan. However, the loan amount a borrower gets ultimately depends on their credit history, income, and home equity.
Home equity loans are repaid through monthly installments. Most lenders offer fixed rates, which makes it easier for borrowers to organize their finances. The loan amount does not change dramatically every month as it does with variable-rate loans, so you can stick to a budget plan.
It’s essential to know that the approval process for a home equity loan can take months. Getting a home equity loan is a time-consuming process. Aside from submitting various documentation, you will also have to undergo an appraisal of the property.
While home equity loans make great renovation loans, they are financially risky. In order to qualify, you must agree to use the home as collateral. In case of default, the lender can seize the property. Consider whether you are willing to risk using your home as security for a loan before applying with a lender.
Home Equity Line of Credit
A home equity line of credit (HELOC) is a revolving credit account, similar to a credit card. The borrower can withdraw funds from the equity in their home. After repaying a portion, or the entirety, of the borrowed amount, the borrower can borrow money again. The credit limit depends on the value of the property and the amount of equity a homeowner has accumulated.
HELOCs can provide a substantial amount of money, which is why they are often used for small and large-scale renovation projects. However, the approval process is very strict. Lenders expect borrowers to have good credit scores and a significant amount of home equity. Unlike home equity loans, HELOCs typically have variable rates. The monthly payments on a variable-rate loan can increase unexpectedly and result in financial issues for the borrower.
Similarly to home equity loans, HELOCs use the property as collateral. Using such a valuable asset as collateral can help you get a significant amount of cash for renovation costs, but you risk foreclosure on the home.
Personal Loan
Personal loans are versatile installment loans that generally provide faster funding than FHA 203(k) loans and other traditional renovation loans. Many lenders provide funds in as little as one business day. The money is repaid through monthly payments, and collateral is usually not required.
Many personal lenders offer flexible qualification requirements, so you do not necessarily need a perfect credit score to get a loan. But remember that your score may still affect the interest rate and the loan amount you can get. Loan amounts vary by lender, but typically the maximum is a few thousand dollars. You may be able to get enough money to turn your house into your dream home.
Personal loans can have short or extended repayment plans. The flexibility of personal loan repayment schedules allows you to plan small and large-scale projects. But remember that an extended repayment term can increase the overall cost of borrowing money. However, you can save money on interest fees by making additional payments every month or increasing the monthly payment amount. However, ensure that your lender does not charge a prepayment penalty fee or you may have to pay a large fine for making early payments.
The qualification requirements vary, but most financial institutions work with different financial backgrounds. You may still be eligible to apply with a personal lender despite bad credit. Look for lenders that offer bad credit loans. Bad credit loans are installment loans that have flexible credit score requirements. Keep in mind that you may have to compare multiple lenders to get the best interest rate with bad credit.
References:
203(k) Rehabilitation Mortgage Insurance│FDIC
Rural Housing│GovLoans
Direct Home Loans for Native Americans│GovLoans
Cash-Out Refinance Loan│GovLoans