Buying Foreclosure With FHA 203k Renovation Loans

In this blog, we will discuss and cover buying foreclosure with FHA 203k renovation loans. Due to the real estate and credit meltdown of 2008, foreclosure rates have skyrocketed to historical levels. Lenders do not want to be landlords. They do not want to hold any properties on their inventory. Lenders throughout the country had more real estate owned, REO, properties on their books and were eager to unload their inventory. Unfortunately, many foreclosures were listed at or above market prices in many parts of the country. Lenders needed to readjust their values. There are many benefits of buying foreclosure or fixer-upper. The single benefit is getting the property below market prices. Many home buyers and property investors got on the foreclosure buying bandwagon looking for deals. In this article, we will discuss and cover Buying Foreclosure With FHA 203k Renovation Loans.

Disadvantages Of Buying Foreclosure

There are many disadvantages to buying foreclosure as well. Most lenders who list their foreclosures, sell them as is. Many foreclosed properties will not qualify for a regular mortgage if the home is not habitable. Many foreclosures are in need of repairs and most first-time homebuyers are limited with reserves. Besides coming up with the down payment, they need to come up with the money for the repairs. Cannot be financed unless they apply for an FHA 203k Rehab Loans which means a higher interest rate and more paperwork. Some foreclosures require tons of work. The buyer of a foreclosure needs to really think about the acquisition costs as well as the renovation costs.

Benefits Of Buying Foreclosure With FHA 203k Loans

The benefit of buying foreclosure with FHA 203k loans is that buyers can do a total gut rehab on the home with an acquisition and construction loan with a 3.5% down payment on the after improved value. For example, here’s a case scenario. Take home is priced at $100,000 and the cost of renovation is another $100,000 with an after improved value of $200,000. As long as the appraiser values the improved value of $200,000, the lender will require 3.5% of the $200,000 or $7,000 for the down payment on the FHA 203k loan.  Most homebuyers do not have to worry about closing costs. Closing costs can be covered with either a seller concession and/or lender credit. Homebuyers can customize the home to their standards. It’s like building their own custom home with the choice of materials.

Appraisal Issues On Foreclosures

Another issue home buyers of foreclosed properties face is appraisal issues. FHA appraisals specifically require that the home is inhabitable condition. Home needs to be safe and secure and that all electrical, plumbing, and HVAC is in working order.

Condition of Foreclosed Homes

Many foreclosures are not in the best condition. May disqualify home buyers who are getting a loan and need an appraisal done. Conventional appraisals are pretty much the same. The conventional mortgage loan lender will not secure a mortgage loan if the home has kitchen cabinets missing. Again, buying foreclosure can be done with FHA 203k Rehab Loans.

Flipping Homes And Making Money Buying Foreclosures And Flipping For Quick Profit

There are hundreds, if not thousands, of infomercials or books about getting rich quickly by flipping foreclosures with no experience needed. As a real estate investor for the past 20 years with experience in owning and managing 3,000 residential units, it is not that easy. Many folks feel that the term foreclosure is equivalent to bargain-basement prices. Not always the case.

Are Foreclosure Homes Priced Below Market?

Many foreclosures can be purchased below market value but the majority of the foreclosures are at market prices or only slightly below market prices. Those who buy foreclosure at super cheap prices may need to spend a lot of money renovating the property to make it marketable. The bottom line, nothing is for free. Yes, real estate investors can make money flipping foreclosed properties. Investors need to be extremely careful at acquisition and rehab costs and comparable sales.

Foreclosures Are Sold As-Is: Get Property Inspection

Almost all foreclosures are sold in an as-is condition and lenders do not want to get involved in any repairs nor allow the buyers to do any repairs prior to closing. Minor items light a burnt-out light bulb or leaky toilet will not make or break a home buyer but major foundation or structural issues will. I strongly recommend that you hire a professional property home inspector to fully inspect all aspects of the property.

Qualifying For FHA 203k Loans With Mortgage Company With Lender No Overlays

Gustan Cho Associates is licensed in multiple states with no lender overlays on government and conventional loans. This includes 203k loans. We do not have any overlays on FHA 203k loans.

Here are the requirements of qualifying for FHA 203k loans:

• As long as borrowers meet HUD Guidelines on FHA loans, they can qualify for FHA 203k loans
• 580 credit scores for 3.5% down payment on acquisition and construction FHA 203k loans
• Gustan Cho Associates offers both FHA 203k Streamline and FHA 203k standard Loans
• Need to approve/eligible per Automated Underwriting System Approval
• Outstanding collections and charge off accounts do not have to pay off

Buyers of fixer-uppers who need to qualify for FHA 203k rehab loans can contact us at Gustan Cho Associates at 800-900-8569 or email us at gcho@gustancho.com. We are available 7 days a week, evenings, weekends, and holidays.