Can you get qualified? Even without a substantial down payment saved, you’ll find there are programs—such as the FHA loan program—that make it possible for you to become a first-time home buyer.
Make Your First Home Purchase Your Best-Ever Decision
Take advantage of interest rates. There’s no guarantee that interest rates are going to be this low forever. By getting out of the renter’s game and locking in low interest rates, you can begin a lifelong journey of wealth building.
Use less money down than you imagined. The concept of saving up 20% for money down against a loan can scare some first-time home buyers. But we’ll explain why that doesn’t always have to apply to you.
What You Need to Know About First-Time Home Buying
According to some statistics, a majority of renters who want to buy a home don’t move forward because they’re afraid they don’t qualify! But there are plenty of programs that make it viable for lots of people—even those with poor credit—to qualify.
For many first-time home buyers, the main issue is coming up with the down payment. Many of those who would otherwise buy a home feel they would move their purchase timeline forward if they could make the down payment.
With some first-time home buyers’ terms, it’s possible to pay with a relatively small down payment, much smaller than the usually-expected 20%.
Home sales are as hot as ever, with available homes sometimes going off the market in as little as three weeks in some areas—or even less.
Find favorable terms. When you approach it the right way, your first home purchase can be a door to great terms that help you with your monthly budget.
2 Ways to Use Your FHA 203(k) Loan
Buy a Fixer-Upper (and Fix It Up)
Or... Renovate Your Current Home!
Your Renovation Wish List Could Include...
Increase window size
Bring in more natural light
Finish a basement or attic
Create a mother-in-law apartment or guest space
Correct foundational issues
Protect your investment for the long-term
Add a detached garage when one does not exist
There’s room for everyone
Knock down walls
Open up the floor plan to create versatile, welcoming spaces
Flood-proof your property
Add a retaining wall to prevent expensive damage
Repair the pool
Tired of leaks and cracks? Fix the pool & start enjoying it
Expand or refresh the kitchen
Cooking is just more fun in an updated kitchen
Add square footage
Growing your family? Grow your home alongside it!
And so much more! All funded by your single, convenient FHA 203(k) Renovation loan.
And start planning your renovations now!
After remodeling, 74% of owners have a greater desire to be in their home, and 65% have increased enjoyment in their home.
Source: National Association of Realtors® 2020 Remodeling Impact Report
How Does a Renovation Loan Work?
Depending on the types of repairs you plan to do, you have two options when it comes to securing a FHA 203(k) Renovation Loan: Limited and Standard.
The Limited 203(k) loan
The Limited 203(k) loan is for non-structural or “cosmetic” repairs. It covers up to $35,000 in renovation costs. With a Limited loan, you can do nearly anything that doesn’t affect the home’s structure! Think kitchen and bathroom remodels, carpet and flooring replacement, painting, appliance replacement, and much more.
The Standard 203(k) loan
The Standard 203(k) loan is a loan for projects with repair costs over $35,000. It can be used for structural or non-structural repairs. With a Standard Loan, you have even more flexibility. You can expand the home’s footprint, improve accessibility for differently abled people, and even move the home to a different site.
Find out how to buy my first home!
Discover what you can do with an FHA Purchase or Renovation loan!
What Do First-Time Home Buyers Need to Know About Buying a Home?
Can I do the work myself?
No. Both types of 203(k) loans require a licensed contractor to complete the work.
Is there a maximum dollar amount for repairs?
There is no maximum repair amount. However, your loan amount will be determined by several factors, including the FHA County Loan Limit.
What if we can’t live in our fixer-upper while we renovate? Would I need to start making mortgage payments right away?
The short answer is: No! With the Standard 203k, you can finance up to six months of mortgage payments into your loan, provided that your HUD Consultant (a third-party plan reviewer required on Standard 203k Loans) determines that the home is uninhabitable. This would eliminate the need for you to make two housing payments at once.
When and how does my contractor get paid for the work?
With the Standard 203K loan, no funds are given to the contractor in advance. Draws to the contractor are made as work progresses and phases are completed. Draw inspections will verify that the work has been completed. Up to five draws can be taken.
Find out how to buy my first home!
See if you’re eligible for your first home loan in 60 seconds or less!