Need an FHA 203K Contractor in New York?

You may find the home of your dreams, but the home may be in need of some work. With an FHA rehab/ restoration mortgage, you will have one loan which includes the mortgage and the cost of repairs combined!

The mortgage amount is based on the projected value of the property after the work is completed, taking into account the cost of the work. The advantage of this loan is that you can buy a home that needs a lot of work, or even minor improvements, and you still have only one mortgage payment including money for repairs.

Finding a general contractor/certified restorer who is familiar with the 203k process can be a challenge, since there are many requirements related to a 203k loan.  Advanced Restoration Corporation has been servicing Long Island for 20 years and is very familiar with the 203K requirements.

Similar to a traditional mortgage with a construction loan added on top, the 203k can be used for the following:

*Remodeling bathrooms and kitchens (even built-in appliances)

*Replacing a roof, gutters and downspouts

*Adding a second story, afamily room,another bath, etc.

*Completing a basement or attic

*Upgrading plumbing, heating, air conditioning or electrical service

*Installing new siding, energy efficient windows and doors

AND MUCH MORE!
 
For more information on having Advanced Restoration partner with you, please contact Gay Matzelle at (516) 903-4107. Be sure to watch our 203K video...NBC News4 New York 203K featuring Advanced Restoration and Continental Home Loans! 
 
 

Why Renovate With a 203(k) Streamlined Rehab Loan?

Because You Can!

I'll keep this very brief...


You are purchasing a home that needs minor repairs (repairs under $35,000 qualify for a streamlined loan).  Incorporating the rehab into your mortgage payment allows you to have just one payment. Some highlights include:

• Loan amounts up to 110% of the home's appraised value; renovation amounts up to $35,000. 
• No work write-up, no inspection required if repairs are less than $15,000 and no HUD consultant required.
• There is no longer a minimum of $5,000 in repairs for a 203K Streamline.
• On a 203K Streamline, up to 50% of the rehab amount can be requested immediately following the closing. After closing the work can start.
• For a 203K Streamline, there is a maximum of 2 draws per contractor.
• Loan can be used for many improvements, including repair/replacement of:  roofs, plumbing, electrical, flooring, minor remodeling, windows, doors, etc.
• Available for mortgage refinance transactions including those where the property is owned free and clear.

203K Streamlined Loans are available through HUD approved lenders. For more information on how Advanced Restoration can be your 203k contractor, please contact Gary Matzelle at (516) 903-4107.

203K Rehab Loan Q & A Summary

If you are thinking about purchasing a foreclosure in disrepair (needs rehabilitation), you should look into applying for an FHA 203k loan. The 203k program is HUD's primary program for the rehabilitation and repair of single family properties. As such, it is an important tool for community and neighborhood revitalization and for expanding homeownership opportunities.

Listed below are some general questions & answers regarding 203k loans to help you better understand the 203k concept:

Is the Section 203(k) program restricted to single-family dwellings?

No. The program can be used for one-to-four unit dwellings. Maximum mortgage limitations are the same as for properties under Section 203(b).

Can Section 203(k) be used to improve a condominium unit?

Yes, however, condominium rehabilitation is subject to the following conditions:

A. Owner/occupant and qualified nonprofit borrowers only;
B. Rehabilitation is limited only to the interior of the unit. Mortgage proceeds are not to be used for the rehabilitation of exteriors or other areas which are the responsibility of the condominium association, except for the installation of firewalls in the attic for the unit;
C. Only the lesser of five units per condominium association, or 25 percent of the total number of units, can be undergoing rehabilitation at any one time;
D. The maximum mortgage amount cannot exceed 100 percent of the after-improved value. After rehabilitation is complete, the individual buildings within the condominium must not contain more than four units. By law, Section 203(k) can only be used to rehabilitate units in one-to-four unit structures. However, this does not mean that the condominium project, as a whole, can only have four units or that all individual structures must be detached.

Example: A project might consist of six buildings each containing four units, for a total of 24 units in the project and, thus, be eligible for Section 203(k). Likewise, a project could contain a row of more than four attached townhouses and be eligible for Section 203(k) because HUD considers each townhouse as one structure, provided each unit is separated by a 1 1/2 hour firewall (from foundation up to the roof). Similar to a project with a condominium unit with a mortgage insured under Section 234(c) of the National Housing Act, the condominium project must be approved by HUD prior to the closing of any individual mortgages on the condominium units.

Can a six (or more) unit building be done using the 203(k) program?

No. However, the building could be renovated and reduced to a four unit building.

Can nonresidential (storefront) property be eligible for a 203(k) insured loan?

Yes. Mixed-use residential property is acceptable provided the property has no greater than 25% (for a one story building); 33% (for a three story building); and 49% (for a two story building) of its floor area used for commercial (storefront) purposes. The rehab funds can only be used for the residential functions of the dwelling and areas used to access the residential part of the property.

Can HUD-owned properties be purchased using the 203(k) loan?

Yes. However, the property must be advertised that it is eligible for financing with a 203(k) loan. If the HUD-owned property is purchased with other funds, a 203(k) loan can be made after the property is in the buyers name. In this case, cash back will be allowed to the borrower for a period of six months from purchasing the HUD-owned property.

Can an investor use the 203(k) program?
No. In October, 1996, the Department placed a moratorium on investor participation in the 203(k) Rehabilitation Mortgage Program.

Can a local government agency or a nonprofit organization use the 203(k) program?
Yes. The same qualification requirements will be used as for an owner-occupant of the property.

What is the definition of a First-Time Homebuyer?
A single person or an individual and his or her spouse who have not owned a home (as a tenant in common or as a joint tenant by the entirety) during the three years immediately preceding the date of application for the 203(k) loan. Any individual who is legally separated or divorced cannot be excluded from consideration, because the three-year waiting period does not apply, provided the individual no longer has an interest in the home.

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Advanced Restoration Corporation is a full-service restoration contractor with the ability and 203(k) knowledge to provide complete Rehabilitation & Restoration services to your new home!

For more information about 203(k) loans and mortgage professionals authorized to generate FHA 203(k) loans, please contact Gary Matzelle at (516) 903-4107, or Click Here.

203K Loans Made Simple? Yes, for Your Clients

Source: Colleen Craig

Santa Clarita, CAMore about Colleen…

Southern California Mortgage Professional

Office Phone: (661) 310-8536 Cell Phone: (661) 310-8536

Email Colleen
http://www.colleencraig.com

203k MADE SIMPLE?

Okay, maybe not, but I will attempt to make it as simple as possible for the client to understand and want to read on. For many of us in the business who are " in the know" we forget that we need to go back to the basics and spell it out in simple terms for others to understand. So I've compiled some information based on my most recent commonly asked questions just this week.

In Southern California, FHA loans were just not utilized over the past 10 or so years because of the FHA Maximum Mortgage limits But now that the limits have been increased and the prices have decreased, FHA loans have become the most utilized loan in recent months. HOWEVER, because it was not a popular loan, you would be amazed at how many lenders/brokers do not know what they are doing. Especially when it comes to the 203k loan.

I spoke to a client today that was given such mis-information it made me cringe. Apparently they told the client that 203k loans were no longer being done (Gee, you think it was after realizing that they had no idea what they were doing?) and they tried to flip them into another loan. This was after telling my client that their loan amount would be for the contract price and the extra money would just be separate and sit in an impound account to be disbursed over the next 6 months. Okay partially true, the extra amount would be in escrow to be disbursed as the remodel progressed, but for free? Who pays for the extra 50,000 dollars you just borrowed for repairs? Your loan amount is for the entire amount you are borrowing. Makes sense, right?

So what is a 203k loan and why use one?

When a buyer wants to buy a home that needs repairs utilizing FHA financing, normally the repairs would have to be completed prior to the close of escrow. The repairs would normally fall on the responsibility of the seller. With so many foreclosures in today's market, the bank is the seller. And many times the home in need of repair is listed "as is". Which in the past would require a cash buyer or conventional financing. This is another reason that people in the business decided to shy away from FHA loans. I believe it was pure ignorance of the programs that were available by the brokers and the realtors couldn't properly prepare their seller for what to expect that gave FHA loans a bitter taste. My associate Jeff Belonger said it best in his post about ignoring what your listing agent tells you about FHA loans

Here we go...."203k loans for dummies"

* 203k loans allow you to FINANCE the cost of the repairs in the new loan amount. (Not to exceed 110% of the after improved value determined by the appraiser and 203k consultant) What does this mean? I buy a house for 200,000 that needs 50,000 in repairs and I can borrow the extra 50,000? Too good to be true? NOPE. That's it in a nutshell....

Details please.........
* Down payment is based on the sale price PLUS the final cost of the repairs x 3.5% so for example:Sale price is 200,000 (DO not calculate 3.5% on this) PLUS 50,000 in repairs/costs (which includes certain costs and reserves the lender will require) 250,000 x 3.5%. Down payment is $8750.00 (closing costs are separate as usual)

* Buyer will hire (lender can recommend) a HUD approved FHA 203k Consultant to go to the property with the buyer to determine the required repairs and wish list repairs.The fee charged by the consultant can be included in the mortgage. The fee can range anywhere between $ 400 to $1200 depending on the repairs required. Please check with the consultant prior to scheduling your appointment.

*Buyer will obtain estimates from several licensed contractors for the work to be completed depending on how extensive the repairs.

Three estimates are recommended for each contractor but not necessary. The buyer can act as their own general contractor only if experienced and licensed. (FHA says experienced, but most investors require the buyer to be licensed) The contractors must provide documentation to be approved by the lender prior to approval.

The consultant will determine the "required" repairs versus the "wish list repairs". You must start with the required repairs and then move on from there for you wish list. This is an important step for the consultant and appraiser so that you don't over improve the home and exceed the comparable properties in the area.

* Once the consultant completes his report of required and wish list repairs, the lender will forward it to the appraiser for an "After Improved Value". This is where you may run into problems with OVER improving the property based on current values. Between the consultant, appraiser and buyer - the FINAL FINAL report will be tweeked to come up with a final report that the contractors will be hired to do.

* So now the file is submitted to underwriting and approved ( you need to qualify at the full amount you are borrowing of course, which may include your current mortgage payment for the home you will live in during the rehab period) and the normal steps for closing will occur.(BIG PLUS - you can include 6 months of mortgage payments in the new loan amount since it's assumed that you will have TWO housing payments during the rehabilitation of the new home. This money will be deducted each month during the reahab process) This is optional.* Closing occurs, and the work begins within 30 days of closing/funding. (This is when your mortgage payments start since this is when you started borrowing the money - however, if you included the 6 mths mtg payments, they will be deducted from escrow starting when your first payment is due)

* Disbursements are made throughout the following 6 months from the escrow account (normally 4 draws with one final inspection, but this can be increased for higher repair amounts) as the work is completed.

Remember you paid the seller for the price of the home, and then you borrowed an additional amount of X which is sitting in an escrow account to pay the contractors (your total loan is the total amount you borrowed)

Once the last disbursement is made and the final inspection showing COMPLETED AS PER THE CONTRACT........you are done! Simple as 1 2 3 - okay maybe not, but that's why having an experienced lender on your side is crucial!

There are specific properties and repair requirements for this type of loan, so please call me for specific details if this sounds like the right loan for your new home.Please send me your before and after pics! I would love to see them and maybe even post them for people to see what can be done with this awesome program! Or contact Colleen Craig FHA 203k Specialist for more detailsHappy Rehabbing!
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Advanced Restoration Corporation is a full-service restoration contractor with the ability and 203(k) knowledge to provide complete Rehabilitation & Restoration services to your new home!

For more information about 203(k) loans and mortgage professionals authorized to generate FHA 203(k) loans, please contact Gary Matzelle at (516) 903-4107.

What are Streamlined 203(k) Loans?

Foreclosures continue to dominate the real estate market and as a result, many homes are left in disrepair. If you are contemplating the purchase of a foreclosure requiring minor repairs, you may want to consider a "Streamlined" 203(k) loan. The Streamlined (k) Limited Repair Program was developed to augment FHA’s existing Section 203(k) rehabilitation program for less extensive repairs and improvement.



What improvements are eligible under the Streamlined 203 (k) program? The Streamlined (k) program is intended to facilitate uncomplicated rehabilitation and/or improvements to a home for which plans, consultants, engineers and/or architects are not required.


The Streamlined (k) program includes the discretionary improvements and/or repairs shown below:

*Repair/Replacement of roofs, gutters and downspouts

*Repair/Replacement/upgrade of existing HVAC systems

*Repair/Replacement/upgrade of plumbing and electrical systems

*Repair/Replacement of flooring

*Minor remodeling, such as kitchens, which does not involve structural repairs

*Painting, both exterior and interior

* Weatherization, including storm windows and doors, insulation, weather stripping, etc.

*Purchase and installation of appliances, including free-standing ranges, refrigerators, washers/dryers, dishwashers and microwave ovens

*Accessibility improvements for persons with disabilities

* Lead-based paint stabilization or abatement of lead-based paint hazards

*Repair/replace/add exterior decks, patios, porches *Basement finishing and remodeling, which does not involve structural repairs

*Basement waterproofing

*Window and door replacements and exterior wall re-siding

*Septic system and/or well repair or replacement


What are the minimum and maximum amounts for repair costs under this program? Given the need for homeowners to make minor repairs without exhausting personal savings, and in consideration of the increasing cost of materials, the minimum repair cost of $5,000 is eliminated and the ceiling is now raised to $35,000. This revised maximum repair/rehabilitation amount recognizes the cost of making older homes more energy efficient. When the repairs exceed $15,000, the mortgagee must perform or obtain an inspection to determine that all listed repairs were completed.

Can this program be used for repairs and improvements on purchases of HUD Homes? Like the regular Section 203(k) program, Streamlined (k) may be used for single-family housing sold by HUD. REO properties that have been designated by FHA’s Management and Marketing contractor (M&M) as “insurable” with repair escrow ($5,000 or less in required repairs) or “uninsurable” (with more than $5,000 but no more than $35,000 in required repairs) are eligible for the Streamlined (k) program provided that the repairs qualify as eligible work items as outlined.

If you are looking for a real estate professional on Long Island that is familiar with 203(k) loans and specializes in foreclosures, please conatct Mark P. Martin at Island Advantage Realty. Contact information for Mr. Martin is as follows- Telephone: (516)238-5498; Email: mmartin2@optonline.net.

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Advanced Restoration is a full service property damage restoration company that specializes in the 203(k) rehabilitation & restoration of homes and businesses. The company is family-owned and operated with a combined 75 years experience in dealing with Fire Damage Restoration, Water Damage Restoration, Flood & Storm Damage, Mold Remediation, Smoke Damage Restoration and Reconstruction. We service Long Island (Nassau County, NY; Suffolk County, NY) and the New York Metro area.

For more information on how Advanced Restoration can partner with you, please contact
Gary Matzelle at (516) 903-4107, or send an email to gmatzelle@advancedrestoration.com. Please visit our Website: http://www.advancedrestoration.com/

Buying a Foreclosure That Needs Repairs?

Foreclosures in Nassau County, Suffolk County and the NY Metro area continue to increase due to the struggling economy. As a result, homes become neglected over time and develop situations that subsquently require a restoration company to perform repair work related to water damage, mold and many other structure situations. Initiating necessary foreclosure repairs for a property can be accomplished by a homeowner applying for a mortgage related to the 203(k) Program.

203(k) Mortgage

The Federal Housing Administration (FHA), which is part of the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), administers various single family mortgage insurance programs like a 203(k) mortgage. These programs operate through FHA-approved lending institutions which submit applications to have the property appraised and have the buyer's credit approved. These lenders fund the mortgage loans which the Department insures. HUD does not make direct loans to help people buy homes.

One Mortgage Loan

When a homebuyer wants to purchase a house in need of repair or modernization, the homebuyer usually has to obtain financing first to purchase the dwelling; additional financing to do the rehabilitation construction; and a permanent mortgage when the work is completed to pay off the interim loans with a permanent mortgage. Often the interim financing (the acquisition and construction loans) involves relatively high interest rates and short amortization periods.

The Section 203(k) program was designed to address this situation. The borrower can get just one mortgage loan, at a long-term fixed (or adjustable) rate, to finance both the acquisition and the rehabilitation of the property. To provide funds for the rehabilitation, the mortgage amount is based on the projected value of the property with the work completed, taking into account the cost of the work. To minimize the risk to the mortgage lender, the mortgage loan (the maximum allowable amount) is eligible for endorsement by HUD as soon as the mortgage proceeds are disbursed and a rehabilitation escrow account is established.

It is important that a qualified restoration contractor familiar with the 203(k) program is selected to conduct the restoration process.

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Advanced Restoration Corporation is a full service property damage restoration company that has the abiltiy to execute all necessary repairs to a property that qualifies for a 203(k) loan.
For more information on FHA 203(k) loans and how Advanced Restoration can partner with you, please contact Gary Matzelle at (516) 903-4107.