Skip to content
Two investors reviewing resources on a laptop

Get industry-leading resources — for free

Unlock resources for every investing strategy and stage with a free account.

By continuing, you agree to BiggerPockets LLC's Terms of Use and Privacy Policy

Followed Discussions Followed Categories Followed People Followed Locations
Private Lending & Conventional Mortgage Advice
All Forum Categories
Followed Discussions
Followed Categories
Followed People
Followed Locations
Market News & Data
General Info
Real Estate Strategies
Landlording & Rental Properties
Real Estate Professionals
Financial, Tax, & Legal
Real Estate Classifieds
Reviews & Feedback

User Stats

142
Posts
77
Votes
Major Robertson
  • Investor
  • Louisville, KY
77
Votes |
142
Posts

I Was told "No one will pre-approve a 203k loan" by a broker

Major Robertson
  • Investor
  • Louisville, KY
Posted

So I called a mortgage broker as I found a house I'd like to purchase and renovate with a 203k loan. The mortgage broker said that you can't get a pre-approval for an FHA 203k loan and doesn't know anyone that would do that. He said he would be willing to write a letter stating I would be approved based on the information I gave him. He told me that he has done 203k loans before.

I did research on 203k loans before and have seen people get pre-approved. Does anyone know why he told me this or if it's true that you cant get pre-approved for the 203k?

I'm skeptical about him not offering pre-approvals and would be nervous paying earnest money and paying for inspections to find out I wasn't approved after the fact. Not only that but most people won't look at an offer without a pre-approval, and I'm not sure how well his word that I would be approved would hold up. 

On a side note, if anyone knows any small banks or lenders that do 203k loans in Louisville Kentucky please let me know.

Most Popular Reply

User Stats

1,413
Posts
599
Votes
James Wilcox
  • Real Estate Agent
  • Bowling Green KY ~ Lexington, KY
599
Votes |
1,413
Posts
James Wilcox
  • Real Estate Agent
  • Bowling Green KY ~ Lexington, KY
Replied

@Major Robertson @Jeff McMahan is correct. If you want to qualify for a FHA loan you have to make the purchase on your primary residence. You can use a FHA for an investment property only if you live in one of the units. Unclear if you planned on "house hacking" but it is a great way to get into REI. Sometimes you can use the income of the other units to help qualify for the loan as well.

  • James Wilcox
business profile image
REI James w/ eXp Realty
5.0 stars
4 Reviews

Loading replies...