You have just found your dream home. It’s a quaint Cape Cod in the heart of downtown, just minutes from work. The only catch? The 1920s plumbing needs to be replaced – a project that’s slated to cost $20,000.
Fortunately, you have options to finance the project. Depending on the home and your creditworthiness, you might be able to negotiate a larger mortgage to cover the cost of needed renovations. In fact, lenders offer mortgages specifically designed for fixer-uppers. Some even offer loans for homeowners who want to remodel their current property.
Read on for more information about how you can finance a home that needs TLC.
A renovation mortgage loan allows home buyers to purchase and remodel a fixer-upper. This financing option is similar to a conventional 15-year or 30-year mortgage, except that the lender offers additional money to fund repairs.
As a homeowner, you’ll have the flexibility of determining exactly which projects you want to tackle. However, your lender will hold you to a timeline (normally six months). They’ll also require that you select a professional contractor.
Since renovation mortgages are a rarity in the home lending world, there are two primary options available to home buyers:
The Fannie Mae HomeStyle Renovation Mortgage allows home buyers to bundle a property’s purchase price and repair costs into one loan. Since these loans are backed by a government agency, lenders can offer better rates even to those with less-than-perfect credit.
To qualify for a HomeStyle loan, you must have:
A HomeStyle loan can be used to purchase and renovate almost any property – from single-family homes to multifamily investment properties.
This financing option is also flexible as far as which projects you choose to take on. As long as the repairs are completed within 12 months of the loan origination, you can fund projects such as:
An FHA 203(k) loan – also known as a mortgage rehabilitation loan – allows home buyers to roll real estate and renovation costs into one mortgage. This loan is backed by the Federal Housing Administration (FHA) and can take the form of a fixed-rate mortgage or adjustable-rate mortgage.
To qualify for an FHA 203(k), you must have:
Generally, any upgrade that increases the value of a home is covered under an FHA 203(k) loan. For example, you may choose to:
Luxuries such as swimming pools, hot tubs, and outdoor fireplaces aren’t covered under an FHA 203(k) loan
Remember that quaint Cape Cod in the heart of downtown? A renovation mortgage loan can help you move in, fix those leaky pipes, and live happily ever after.
But there are some downsides to a renovation mortgage. Namely, they may command a higher interest rate. You’ll also be expected to jump through innumerable hoops to get the money you need.
So far, we’ve discussed financing options for home buyers looking to purchase a fixer-upper. But what if you want to make modifications to your current residence?
As a homeowner, you can either:
The best financing option for you depends on your estimated renovation budget as well as your income and monthly expenses.
Do you want to upgrade your dark basement into an at-home gym? Or maybe you want to give your kitchen a facelift? No matter the vision behind your remodel, you might be able to fund it with a cash-out refinance.
A cash-out refinance essentially replaces your existing home loan with a larger one. This new, shiny loan pays off your original mortgage. Then, you get to pocket the difference at closing and use the cash for anything you’d like.
You may wonder: “What’s the catch?” The downsides of a cash-out refinance include:
If you need extra money for renovations, it’s possible to secure a second mortgage either with a home equity loan or a home equity line of credit (HELOC for short).
A HELOC allows homeowners to borrow against their equity too. However, rather than receiving a lump sum, you’re granted access to a revolving line of credit over a five- to 10-year period.
As with a home equity loan, defaulting on a HELOC could result in foreclosure. HELOCs are especially risky because they come with a variable interest rate that changes based on market conditions.
No matter if you’re a first-time home buyer purchasing a fixer-upper or an existing homeowner gutting your kitchen, finding the cash for repairs is tricky. Though lenders offer loans for home renovations, you still need to be aware of the loan terms and other clauses before signing on the dotted line.
At Portico, our general contractors have witnessed the stress that comes with securing financing. To make the renovation process easier on homeowners, we always offer a free project estimate. We also do everything in our power to stick to your budget.
To learn more about how Portico can make your dream home a reality, contact us today.
