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Buying Distressed Property With a FHA Loan

By
Real Estate Agent with RE/MAX AEROSPACE REALTY www.LauraSellsBrevard.com SL3236966

Are you interested in purchasing a distressed property, but can’t obtain a standard FHA loan because the property does not meet the FHA minimum property standards?  If so, then the FHA 203 (k) program could be the answer.

The FHA 203(k) program allows borrowers to obtain a loan to purchase the property and include the cost of repairs in the loan.  The home improvement loan also allows up to 6 months of mortgage payments as part of the improvement escrow if you are unable to occupy the property and must rent while repairs are made.

With this type of financing, the funds for repairing and improving the property are held in escrow and released as work is completed.  There is a $5,000 minimum to be used for eligible improvements on the existing structure on the property.  Minor or cosmetic repairs may be included after satisfying the first $5,000 in repairs.

You can expect the interest rate on the FHA 203(k) to be slightly higher than a standard FHA loan, and there are additional fees for the construction portion of the loan.  Today the rate for a FHA 203(k) is approximately 5% compared to 4.75% for a standard FHA loan.

Like the standard FHA loan, the low down payment is an important tool for expanding homeownership and improving communities.

 

Comments(5)

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Stanley Stepak
Howard Hanna - Avon Lake, OH - Avon Lake, OH
Realtor - Avon Lake, Avon, Bay Village, Westlake,

I cant agree more on this product. I have had my buyers use it and sure there are some guidelines they have to follow but it can get a needy family into their (soon to be) dream home 

Dec 09, 2010 03:18 PM
Margo Currie
Exit 1 Stop Realty - Saint Augustine Beach, FL

Some of the homes have so much potential, and this gives a buyer the ability to restore them.

Dec 09, 2010 03:44 PM
Steve Baklaich
RE/MAX Results St Cloud Mn real estate - Saint Cloud, MN
Treating Buyers & Sellers to Full Service Always.

Good blog Laura. Good loan program, too. Finding the right lender is key!

Dec 14, 2010 07:22 AM
Laura Forman
RE/MAX AEROSPACE REALTY www.LauraSellsBrevard.com - Melbourne, FL
Your Brevard Premier Property Specialist

Thanks for the comments.  Steve, what have your experiences been regarding lenders?

Dec 14, 2010 08:01 AM
Barbara-Jo Roberts Berberi, MA, PSA, TRC - Greater Clearwater Florida Residential Real Estate Professional
Charles Rutenberg Realty - Clearwater, FL
Palm Harbor, Dunedin, Clearwater, Safety Harbor

Laura - there are so many distressed properties out there and often people don't think this move through all the way! Caution is always advised!

Jan 12, 2011 05:59 AM