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FHA 203k Purchase Refresher-What's Eligible? What Isn't?

By
Mortgage and Lending

I just wanted to do a quick blast for everyone so they have a refresher of the fantastic FHA 203k Streamline loan.

This is a great opportunity to but a owner occupied fixer upper and use the bank's money. When evaluating the property it's crucial to keep in mind what is an eligible improvement and what isn't.


Examples of Eligible Repairs:

  • Repair/Replacement of roofs, gutters, and downspouts
  • Repair/Replacement/Upgrade of existing heating, ventilation, and air conditioning systems
  • Repair/Replacement of plumbing and electrical systems
  • Repair/Replacement of flooring, however the repair of sub-floors is not because it is considered structural
  • Minor remodeling such as kitchens that does not involve structural repairs and/or any change to load-bearing walls
  • Exterior and interior painting
  • Weatherization, including storm windows and doors, insulation, and weather stripping
  • Purchase and installation of appliances, including free-standing ranges, refrigerators, washers and dryers, dishwashers, and microwaves
  • The sum of all appliances cannot exceed 50% of the total cost of repairs
  • If the appliances are included in a contractor bid, and the contractor bid meets the requirements that allow for an initial disbursement, 50% of the total contractor bid may be paid out at initial disbursement.
  • If the borrower is obtaining the appliances directly, the payment is allowed only as a final disbursement; and a self-help agreement is required.
  • Improvements for accessibility for persons with disabilities
  • Repair/Replacement/Addition of exterior decks, patios, porches; provided any repairs do not involve replacing any feature that relies on the home’s structural integrity.
  • Basement finishing and remodeling that does not involve structural repairs
  • Basement waterproofing
  • Replacement of windows and doors and exterior wall re-siding
  • Septic system and/or well repair or replacement
  • Pool repairs up to $1500.

Ineligible Improvements

  • Major rehabilitation or major remodeling, including the relocation or alteration of a load-bearing wall
  • Repair of structural damage
  • New Construction, including room additions
  • Repairs requiring detailed drawings, plans or architectural exhibits or that involve moving load-bearing walls
  • Landscaping or similar site amenity improvements including a new pool, or any pool repair greater than $1500.
  • Building or rebuilding of a driveway or sidewalk is not.allowed.
  • Any repair or improvement requiring a work schedule longer than six (6) months
  • Rehabilitation activities that require more than two (2) payments per contractor.
  • Lead paint mitigation
  • Energy Efficiency Mortgage add-ons that result in a base mortgage exceeding the statutory county limit
  • Work requiring architectural exhibits

This is a fantastic program and it's very easy to do when utilizing an experienced mortgage professional.

Posted by

 

John B. Saari


 

Direct Cell: 508-740-7442

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1~Judi Barrett
Integrity Real Estate Services 116 SE AVE N, Idabel, OK 74745 - Idabel, OK
BS Ed, Integrity Real Estate Services -IDABEL OK

John,

Thanks for the refresher.. We don't do very many FHA transaction home purchases here.  But I love having the information in an easy to read format such as you have provided.

Apr 06, 2011 01:33 PM
Christine Smith
Buyers Brokers Only LLC - www.BuyersBrokersOnly.com - Canton, MA
Exclusive Buyer Agent & Attorney, Canton, MA

John...this is one of the clearest explanation of this program that I have seen. 

Apr 06, 2011 03:05 PM
David Artigliere
Reading, Pottstown, Norristown, Philadelphia - Collegeville, PA
ARTI Home Inspections, ASHI Certified Home Inspect

Great blog, John and very easy to read for anyone looking for details of what is covered or not under this program.  As a 203K consultant in PA, I am getting a lot more interest and questions about this program that can be so beneficial to the right buyer!

Apr 07, 2011 05:49 AM
Diane McDermott
RealtorĀ®, GRI, Landis e2 Real Estate, LLC - Charlotte, NC
Charlotte NC Real Estate Market

John, great info on 203k streamlines for home buyers!  Had a client use that loan recently, lots of work coordinating with contractors but all went smoothly and the place looks amazing now :)

Apr 11, 2011 02:32 AM