203k FHA construction loans - and use cases

203k FHA construction loans - and use cases

Developer · Bend · Member since 2023 · 64 posts · 12 votes

Has anyone used a "203k FHA construction loan"? I am curious to know how it works and what the rate is relative to the typical FHA-conforming loans.

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Investor · Cleveland Ohio · Member since 2023 · 335 posts · 67 votes
3y
Quote from @Daniel Netzer:
Quote from @Anthony Freeman:
Quote from @Daniel Netzer:
Quote from @Anthony Freeman:
Quote from @Daniel Netzer:

Has anyone used a "203k FHA construction loan"? I am curious to know how it works and what the rate is relative to the typical FHA-conforming loans.

I believe the biggest difference is in the paperwork. The 3.5% is calculated from the entire construction loan which will rise a typical down payment and your closing cost. I am considering this loan myself.
at what rate? 
7.0%
Got it so the same as a conventional loan. How long is the term of the loan? 1-3 years? 

 30 years

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  • Investor · Cleveland Ohio · Member since 2023 · 335 posts · 67 votes
    3y
    Quote from @Daniel Netzer:

    Has anyone used a "203k FHA construction loan"? I am curious to know how it works and what the rate is relative to the typical FHA-conforming loans.

    I believe the biggest difference is in the paperwork. The 3.5% is calculated from the entire construction loan which will rise a typical down payment and your closing cost. I am considering this loan myself.
  • Developer · Bend · Member since 2023 · 64 posts · 12 votes
    3y
    Quote from @Anthony Freeman:
    Quote from @Daniel Netzer:

    Has anyone used a "203k FHA construction loan"? I am curious to know how it works and what the rate is relative to the typical FHA-conforming loans.

    I believe the biggest difference is in the paperwork. The 3.5% is calculated from the entire construction loan which will rise a typical down payment and your closing cost. I am considering this loan myself.
    at what rate? 
  • Investor · Cleveland Ohio · Member since 2023 · 335 posts · 67 votes
    3y
    Quote from @Daniel Netzer:
    Quote from @Anthony Freeman:
    Quote from @Daniel Netzer:

    Has anyone used a "203k FHA construction loan"? I am curious to know how it works and what the rate is relative to the typical FHA-conforming loans.

    I believe the biggest difference is in the paperwork. The 3.5% is calculated from the entire construction loan which will rise a typical down payment and your closing cost. I am considering this loan myself.
    at what rate? 
    7.0%
  • Developer · Bend · Member since 2023 · 64 posts · 12 votes
    3y
    Quote from @Anthony Freeman:
    Quote from @Daniel Netzer:
    Quote from @Anthony Freeman:
    Quote from @Daniel Netzer:

    Has anyone used a "203k FHA construction loan"? I am curious to know how it works and what the rate is relative to the typical FHA-conforming loans.

    I believe the biggest difference is in the paperwork. The 3.5% is calculated from the entire construction loan which will rise a typical down payment and your closing cost. I am considering this loan myself.
    at what rate? 
    7.0%
    Got it so the same as a conventional loan. How long is the term of the loan? 1-3 years? 
  • Investor · Cleveland Ohio · Member since 2023 · 335 posts · 67 votes
    3y
    Quote from @Daniel Netzer:
    Quote from @Anthony Freeman:
    Quote from @Daniel Netzer:
    Quote from @Anthony Freeman:
    Quote from @Daniel Netzer:

    Has anyone used a "203k FHA construction loan"? I am curious to know how it works and what the rate is relative to the typical FHA-conforming loans.

    I believe the biggest difference is in the paperwork. The 3.5% is calculated from the entire construction loan which will rise a typical down payment and your closing cost. I am considering this loan myself.
    at what rate? 
    7.0%
    Got it so the same as a conventional loan. How long is the term of the loan? 1-3 years? 

     30 years

  • Lender · Washington DC · Member since 2015 · 2k+ posts · 2k+ votes
    3y

    Rate is similar to standard FHA which the pricing is generated from your mortgage middle FICO score. There are two types. $35000 is the max you can use for rehabilitation and the product limits the types of repairs you can do. Great products BUT You are stuck with the 1.75% mortgage insurance until you can refinance or sell.

  • Developer · Bend · Member since 2023 · 64 posts · 12 votes
    3y
    Quote from @Caroline Gerardo:

    Rate is similar to standard FHA which the pricing is generated from your mortgage middle FICO score. There are two types. $35000 is the max you can use for rehabilitation and the product limits the types of repairs you can do. Great products BUT You are stuck with the 1.75% mortgage insurance until you can refinance or sell.

    Oh wow, that 1.75% insurance combined w/the admin overhead makes this very unattractive for me. Seems ambitious to find a quality rehab contractor that's willing to deal with the banks on this. 
  • Investor · Cleveland Ohio · Member since 2023 · 335 posts · 67 votes
    3y
    Quote from @Daniel Netzer:
    Quote from @Caroline Gerardo:

    Rate is similar to standard FHA which the pricing is generated from your mortgage middle FICO score. There are two types. $35000 is the max you can use for rehabilitation and the product limits the types of repairs you can do. Great products BUT You are stuck with the 1.75% mortgage insurance until you can refinance or sell.

    Oh wow, that 1.75% insurance combined w/the admin overhead makes this very unattractive for me. Seems ambitious to find a quality rehab contractor that's willing to deal with the banks on this. 
    Admin Overhead? Can you explain?
  • Developer · Bend · Member since 2023 · 64 posts · 12 votes
    3y
    Quote from @Anthony Freeman:
    Quote from @Daniel Netzer:
    Quote from @Caroline Gerardo:

    Rate is similar to standard FHA which the pricing is generated from your mortgage middle FICO score. There are two types. $35000 is the max you can use for rehabilitation and the product limits the types of repairs you can do. Great products BUT You are stuck with the 1.75% mortgage insurance until you can refinance or sell.

    Oh wow, that 1.75% insurance combined w/the admin overhead makes this very unattractive for me. Seems ambitious to find a quality rehab contractor that's willing to deal with the banks on this. 
    Admin Overhead? Can you explain?
    The added work for contractors to comply with the banking loan accounting/process. Contractors are super busy and gravitate away from cumbersome processes when they can. 
  • Investor · Cleveland Ohio · Member since 2023 · 335 posts · 67 votes
    3y
    Quote from @Daniel Netzer:
    Quote from @Anthony Freeman:
    Quote from @Daniel Netzer:
    Quote from @Caroline Gerardo:

    Rate is similar to standard FHA which the pricing is generated from your mortgage middle FICO score. There are two types. $35000 is the max you can use for rehabilitation and the product limits the types of repairs you can do. Great products BUT You are stuck with the 1.75% mortgage insurance until you can refinance or sell.

    Oh wow, that 1.75% insurance combined w/the admin overhead makes this very unattractive for me. Seems ambitious to find a quality rehab contractor that's willing to deal with the banks on this. 
    Admin Overhead? Can you explain?
    The added work for contractors to comply with the banking loan accounting/process. Contractors are super busy and gravitate away from cumbersome processes when they can. 

    Contractors have to already be FHA approved. You can try to convince some to get approved the process is not that difficult. I agree some may shy away from the extra work nevertheless.

  • Real Estate Agent · Tempe, AZ · Member since 2011 · 1k+ posts · 543 votes
    3y

    @Daniel Netzer

    Are you referring to the FHA 203k Rehabilitation Loan or the FHA Construction-To-Perm Loan?

    Asking because the 203k is NOT for construction .... only for rehab of existing properties and want to provide you with correct information. 

    By the way, there is a database of Certified 203k Contractors. 

    Hope this helps!  

  • Rental Property Investor · Chicago, IL · Member since 2017 · 268 posts · 189 votes
    3y
    Quote from @Daniel Netzer:

    Has anyone used a "203k FHA construction loan"? I am curious to know how it works and what the rate is relative to the typical FHA-conforming loans.

    I just used the Fannie Mae Homestyle Loan. It’s similar. The paperwork is the biggest headache. Nothing is complicated about the process, but it can add a few extra weeks.

    With the home style you have the ability to get rid of the mortgage insurance at later date. You choose a contractor and the bank vets them to ensure they are qualified. I went with it because it was more flexible than the FHA 203k loan for my situation.

    The key with these types of loans is to give yourself extra time to close, choose the correct contractor a head of time, and to make sure the repairs you are doing will add value so you don’t run into issues with the appraisal. Be prepared for the contractor to “Up charge” for the extra headaches they are going to face and a lot of back and forward with the bank.

    I probably won’t do this type of loan again, but it was ok for the specific situation I had.
  • Tommy AdeoyePro Member
    Investor · Member since 2020 · 164 posts · 87 votes
    3y

    As @Paul Welden mentioned, if you are a homebuyer or homeowner looking to finance both the purchase or refinance of a home and the cost of its rehabilitation or renovation , the 203k FHA construction loan program is a popular choice. So think fixer upper or upgrade of existing property.

    FHA Construction to Permanent (C2P) loan on the other hand, also known as an FHA One-Time Close (OTC) loan, is a mortgage financing option that combines the features of a construction loan and a traditional mortgage into a single loan. 

    Here is how the 203(k) FHA Construction Loan Works:

    Loan Types: There are two main types of FHA 203(k) loans:

       - Standard 203(k): This option is for larger renovation projects, including structural repairs and major remodeling. It involves a more extensive application and documentation process. You’d be buried in paperwork’s.

       -Limited 203(k): Designed for smaller projects with a maximum loan amount of $35,000, such as cosmetic upgrades and minor repairs. It generally has a simpler application process.  

    Property Eligibility: The property being financed must meet certain requirements, and the repairs or renovations must be intended to improve the home's functionality and value.

    Loan Amount: The loan amount is based on the home's after-repair value (appraised value after renovations) plus the cost of repairs or renovations. There are limits to the loan amount, which vary by location.

    Loan Terms: The loan terms for 203(k) loans are similar to those of typical FHA loans. You can choose fixed-rate or adjustable-rate mortgages, with typical terms ranging from 15 to 30 years.

    Renovation Process: After closing on the loan, the renovation or repair work can begin. The funds are typically held in an escrow account and disbursed to contractors as the work progresses.

      Interest Rates:

      The interest rates for FHA 203(k) loans are typically slightly higher than those for regular FHA-conforming loans. The exact rate you'll receive can depend on various factors, including your credit score, the lender you choose( lender shopping is highly recommended), and market conditions at the time of application.

      I re-emphasize,It's important to shop around and compare rates from different lenders to find the most competitive offer. Since FHA loans are backed by the government, interest rates tend to be more standardized across lenders, but there can still be some variation. Look up posts on here that talks about how to negotiate with lenders, you may draw some inspiration.

      Also, Keep in mind that while the interest rates may be slightly higher, the 203(k) program allows you to finance the cost of repairs and renovations into your mortgage, which can be a significant advantage if you're looking to make substantial improvements to a property.

      Overall, before applying for a 203(k) FHA construction loan, it's a good idea to consult with a qualified lender who can provide specific information about rates and terms based on your financial situation and the property you're interested in. Additionally, be sure to thoroughly understand the program's requirements and process to make an informed decision about whether it's the right fit for your renovation project.

    • Member since 2023 · 2 posts · 0 votes
      3y

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    • Real Estate Agent · Tempe, AZ · Member since 2011 · 1k+ posts · 543 votes
      3y
      Quote from @Caroline Gerardo:

      Rate is similar to standard FHA which the pricing is generated from your mortgage middle FICO score. There are two types. $35000 is the max you can use for rehabilitation and the product limits the types of repairs you can do. Great products BUT You are stuck with the 1.75% mortgage insurance until you can refinance or sell.

      @Caroline Gerardo

      The 1.75% MI you referenced is the one-time upfront fee. 

      The monthly MI payment is 0.55% of the loan amount for most borrowers, which can never be eliminated unless the loan is refinanced or the property is sold. 

      Also, the $35k max for rehab is only for the Limited 203k, whereas the Standard 203k can go almost up to $2M .... crazy! 

      Hope this helps! 

    • Lender · Washington DC · Member since 2015 · 2k+ posts · 2k+ votes
      3y

      @Paul Welden 'kinda

      FHA one-time close construction loan in 2023 max loan is $472,030 in low-cost areas and $1,089,300 in high-cost areas.

    • Rental Property Investor · Tempe, AZ · Member since 2020 · 12 posts · 6 votes
      2y
      Quote from @Paul Welden:

      @Daniel Netzer

      Are you referring to the FHA 203k Rehabilitation Loan or the FHA Construction-To-Perm Loan?

      Asking because the 203k is NOT for construction .... only for rehab of existing properties and want to provide you with correct information. 

      By the way, there is a database of Certified 203k Contractors. 

      Hope this helps!  


       Hi Paul, do you have any preferred 203k lenders you have used in the past?

    • Real Estate Agent · Tempe, AZ · Member since 2011 · 1k+ posts · 543 votes
      2y

      @Joe Valenti

      I'll do you one better .... I know how to find the lenders with the most 203k lending experience! 

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