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"What do you mean I'm approved but the condo isn't?"

Reblogger
Real Estate Broker/Owner with Front Door Realty WA 24504 / OR 201010056

Excellent information on the ability to buy a condominium, regardless of your pre-approval from the lender. I once sold an entire 34 unit complex and a certain number of units had to be owner occupied before FHA financing could be obtained. That number went up as lending guidelines changed.

Original content by Kevin Kelly

Ahhh, the joys of condo financing today.  Now ideally, the situation would never get to the point where theFrustration client is asking this question.  Because if I know upfront that they are condo shopping then there is an entire conversation that must be had to avoid or minimize frustration down the road.  

Most of that conversation centers around making sure the client understands that while they are borrowing money to purchase a specific unit, the value of that unit can be largely affected by the condo building as a whole.  Which may be a new concept to someone going from a single family residence to a condo for the first time.  So with the complex in its entirety coming into consideration, we introduce the Condo Certification required by investors to be able to fund a loan on a condo purchase.

A Condo Certification is a one to two page form we would generate and have the Homeowners Association Management Co. fill out.  There are typically about 25 questions/items that we are looking for information on, but here is a quick rundown of the more important items that could very well eliminate your ability to secure financing for that unit:

  • Occupancy Rate - this is provided so that we know what percentage of the complex is occupied by the actual owners.  Not investors who have their units rented out.  Typically we would need to see an occupancy rate of 51% or more, meaning at least 51% of the complex is occupied by the owners.
  • HOA Delinquency Rate- this is again is a percentage provided so that we know what percentage of the overall owners are delinquent on their HOA dues.  Anything over 15% delinquency will be a huge red flag.  And again, it is important to point out why this is needed is because of the concern for the overall well being of the building affecting the value of your unit.  If HOA dues are not getting paid, the question would be asked, "How then can they fund the maintenance and care of the building?"
  • Litigation- this is a yes or no question to whether or not the HOA is currently in litigation. A yes answer to this would be a deal killer.

ApprovedGoing through a thorough pre-approval and loan application process and then having the conversation upfront about condo financing and the condo certification will almost always make the process go easier.  That way, when my client does find a condo they wish to purchase the expectations have been set right and we can get started on the condo cert right away.  Thus avoiding wasted days for all parties moving forward on a purchase that will never happen.

It is also important to point out that almost every HOA charges a fee to fill out the condo certification form.  It will vary from HOA to HOA.  But ideally a little extra money upfront now will save a huge loss andGreen Light frustration later.  At the end of the day, it is really all about communication and setting proper expectations.  Once that has been completed, the client knows that despite how strong of a borrower they might be, to reserve a bit of excitement a possible condo until the certification is back and we have the green light!

All the best! 

Kevin Kelly - Licensed Mortgage ProfessionalKevin Kelly - Licensed Mortgage Professional
Kevin Kelly
Licensed Mortgage Professional
15111 N. Pima Road #110
Scottsdale, Arizona 85260
Office: 480-289-7632
Direct: 602-910-0022
E-fax: 480-289-7682
kkelly@amerifirst.us

www.kevin.kelly.amerifirst.us

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

                                    

 

Posted by

 

julie baldino, front door realty of southwest washington

Certified Woman Owned Small Business

Certified Women's Business Enterprise

 360-450-4486 (call/text)

Sales@FrontDoorNw.com

 

Julie Baldino is the managing broker and owner of Front Door Realty serving Multnomah, Clackamas, Washington, Clark, Skamania, and Cowlitz Counties in the following areas: Vancouver, Ridgefield, Battle Ground, Brush Prairie, Hockinson, Woodland, Amboy, Yacolt, Camas, Washougal, La Center, Kalama, Kelso, Longview, Portland, Lake Oswego, Oregon City, Beaverton, Tigard, Clackamas, Hillsboro, West Linn, and more.

 

 

 

Comments (2)

James Harner
Considering Selling Your Home? Call 610-310-7646 first - Royersford, PA
James Harner Group - Philadelphia PA Real Estate

Thanks for the re-blog!

Condo units are really up for grab and with this information, it can help realtors save their clients from frustrations indeed!

Jan 16, 2011 07:54 AM
Julie Baldino
Front Door Realty - Vancouver, WA
Opening Doors to New Chapters...
You're welcome James... I agree completely!
Jan 18, 2011 04:58 AM