Home Improvement Loan Program

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Rehab Loan

In times past, purchasing a home needing repairs was a challenge. Many banks would not approve a mortgage on a “fixer-upper” until those repairs were made, though repairs could not be made until the purchase of the house. This made the home buying process difficult. The Rehab loan was established with these past difficulties of the fixer-upper purchase in mind. This home improvement loan program makes it possible for buyers to purchase a property and include the cost of renovations in the loan. Or “fix-up” or rehab your existing home with a rehab refinance.

A rehab loan, or renovation loan, allows buyers to finance the purchase or refinance of a home, in addition to needed renovations, through one single mortgage rather than having to apply for multiple loans. As a renovation mortgage lender, Stone Lake Mortgage offers a loan that will aid you in turning your property into a home without the financial uncertainties that come with renovations.

Qualifications

Qualifying for the rehab home loan requires homeowners to meet specified criteria as outlined by the Department of Housing and Urban Development, or HUD. Buyers must find a property in need of renovations, locate a qualified lender, and meet that lender’s requirements, which typically include a minimum credit score, debt-to-income ratios, and proof of income. Upon closing, a Repair Escrow Account is created. Repairs are required to begin within 30 days and must be completed within six months of the loan closing date.

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The home improvement loan program is designed for owner/occupants and nonprofit organizations, but not for investors. The program is for one to four-unit properties, but condo and townhome owners can take advantage of it for interior projects. Additionally, the property must be habitable at the time of closing, and borrowers must occupy the home within 30 days, with all work completed within 60 days of closing.

It is important to note that you do not need perfect credit to qualify for a rehab loan. Stone Lake Mortgage offers this home improvement loan program with credit scores of 580 or higher. You will still need to show sufficient income and debt-to-income ratios, and depending upon the type of improvements you have planned, other types of loans might be a better fit. Discuss your plans with us at Stone Lake mortgage, a renovation mortgage lender, and together we can determine a direction that will best benefit you and your renovation needs.

Project Eligibility

While there are loan qualifications centered on financial requirements, the rehab loan also has specifications regarding the type of repairs and improvements being made.

Eligible Repairs and Improvements

  • The elimination of health and safety hazards that would violate HUD's MPR

  • Repairing or replacing wells and/or septic systems

  • Connecting to public water and sewage systems

  • Repairing or replacing plumbing, heating, AC, or electrical systems

  • Making changes for improved functions and modernization

  • Eliminating obsolescence

  • Repairing or installing new roofing, provided the structural integrity of the structure will not be impacted by the work being performed

  • Siding, gutters, and downspouts

  • Making energy conservation improvements

  • Creating accessibility for persons with disabilities

  • Installing or repairing fences, walkways, and driveways

  • Installing a new refrigerator, cooktop, oven, dishwasher, built-in microwave oven, and washer/dryer

  • Repairing or removing an in-ground swimming pool

  • Installing smoke detectors

  • Installing, replacing, or repairing exterior decks, patios, or porches (this must increase the as-is property value equal to the dollar amount spent on the improvements).

  • Covering lead-based paint stabilization costs (above and beyond what is paid for by HUD when it sells REO properties) if the structure was built before 1978, in accordance with the Single-Family Mortgage Insurance Lead-Based Paint rule and EPA’s Renovation, Repair, and Painting rule.

Ineligible Repairs and Improvements

  • Any repairs that will exceed 60 days or result in work not starting within 30 days after the loan closing, including weather-related delays.

  • Major rehabilitation or major remodeling, such as the relocation of a load-bearing wall, new construction (including room additions)

  • Conversion of SFR to units or vice versa

  • Repair of structural damage

  • Repairs requiring detailed drawings or architectural exhibits

  • Landscaping or similar site amenity improvements

  • Any repair or improvement requiring a work schedule longer than 6 months

  • Rehabilitation activities that require more than two payments per specialized contractor

  • Any repair that is deemed a luxury item

  • Any repair that will affect the use of property, such as a commercial-grade kitchen

  • Improvements that are not considered permanent

Loan Facts

Eligible buyers must borrow at least $5,000 with maximum limits determined by the HUD depending upon location. For most buyers looking to purchase and renovate a single-family home, these limits will be easily met. However, if you are looking at the completion of a smaller project, there are varied options that allow you to borrow less money.

Buyers can borrow enough to finance 110% of the home’s projected value after improvement, as appraisers will evaluate your plans and consider the possible future value of the home.

Repairs and Purchase

Because the FHA, or Federal Housing Authority, insures their loans, lenders are far more willing to fund the loan on a property they may otherwise be wary of. This means that buyers can borrow enough to make their purchase as well as the needed improvements.

Depending on the nature of your project, temporary housing may be a good option for you as you could otherwise be living in the middle of a construction zone.

Interest Rates

Interest rates will vary depending on credit scores and market rates in general. You can expect to pay a rate of approximately one percent or more than on a standard home loan. There is more attention paid to these types of loans since lenders put in extra work to track the progress of your project and handle payouts. However, it should be noted that because rehab loans are insured by the HUD, Stone Lake Mortgage, a renovation mortgage lender, might even offer lower rates.

Down Payment

While there are advantages to making larger down-payments, you could pay as little as 3.5% upfront on purchases, but NO money down could be required on Refinances of existing homes.

Interested in purchasing a fixer-upper? Stone Lake Mortgage is ready to guide you through your home improvement loan program options, making the renovation of your dream home a reality.

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