The downsides of 203k and FHA loans?

The downsides of 203k and FHA loans?

Member since 2019 · 3 posts · 0 votes

Hi everyone, I'm brand new to investing. I'm in the saving/research stage but plan to start with a house hack in the next 1-2 years. I've been reading a lot about 203k loans for rehab properties and FHA loans with 3.5% down. All the articles I read on deeper pockets make it seem as though this is a great avenue for new investors to take. I've also read lots of success stories, and one of my former coworkers had a good experience financing his first property this way.

However, there have to be significant risks/downsides. Are there any solid arguments against this tactic? Assuming you can’t secure owner financing, you don’t have enough for 20-25% down, etc, is this a good move? Or is it an easy way to end up upside down?

Thanks!

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  • Real Estate Broker · 3412 S. Harlem Avenue Riverside, IL 60546 · Member since 2015 · 6k+ posts · 5k+ votes
    7y

    @Travis Stevens I have had lots of clients use the FHA loans to close house hacks, and they are great. I actually have one closing this week locally here in Cicero, and the client will probably have to bring less than 1k to closing to buy a 250k property!

    The 203k loan is not my favorite, but you can use them effectively. The issue with these loans is that you still have to meet the self sufficiency guidelines of FHA, and a lot of newer investors look to over renovate. I have specialized in working with investors and I have only ever closed one of these deals. They are tricky.

  • Dan WeberBusiness Member
    Realtor · Portland, ME · Member since 2015 · 656 posts · 552 votes
    7y

    If that is your only way to get into a deal, a deal where the numbers work, then it is totally worth going through the paperwork and dealing with the inconvenient intricacies that might come along with FKA/203k. That was the loan I used for my first property and that loan product worked well for my situation.

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