There are many home owners that for various reasons will not recover all their financial losses.

This is an opportunity for those Homeowners to rebuild, restore, renovate or add that extra room or second floor or create a custom designed home they always desired.

A 203K program is a Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) sponsored for purchase, renovation or restoration program in which one, all inclusive loan, serves to acquire or upgrade or restore a property. These programs operate through FHA-approved lending institutions which submit applications to have the property appraised and have the homeowner or future buyer's credit approved.

The program can be used for one to four unit dwellings.

Below are some FAQ's regarding the 203K plan.

What are eligible improvements?

A. Structural alterations and reconstruction (e.g., repair or replacement of structural damage, chimney repair, additions to the structure, installation of an additional bath(s), skylights, finished attics and/or basements, repair of termite damage and the treatment against termites or other insect infestation, etc.).

B. Changes for improved functions and modernization (e.g., remodeled bathrooms and kitchens, including permanently installed appliances, i.e., built-in range and/or oven, range hood, microwave, dishwasher).

C. Elimination of health and safety hazards (including the resolution of defective paint surfaces or lead-based paint problems on homes built prior to 1978).

D. Changes for aesthetic appeal and elimination of obsolescence (e.g., new exterior siding, adding a second story to the home, covered porch, stair railings, attached carport).

E. Reconditioning or replacement of plumbing (including connecting to public water and/or sewer system), heating, air conditioning and electrical systems. Installation of new plumbing fixtures is acceptable, including interior whirlpool bathtubs.

F. Installation of well and/or septic system. The well or septic system must be installed or repaired prior to beginning any other repairs to the property. A property less than 1/2 acre with a separate well or septic system is not acceptable; also, a property less than 1 acre with both a well and a septic system is unacceptable. Lots smaller than these sizes, usually have problems in the future; however, the local HUD Field Office can approve smaller lot size requirements where the local health authority can justify smaller lots. The installation of a new well or the repair of an existing well (used for the primary water source to the property) can be allowed provided there is adequate documentation to show there is reason to believe the well will produce a sufficient amount of potable water for the occupants. (A well log of surrounding properties from the local health authority is acceptable documentation.)

G. Roofing, gutters and downspouts.

H. Flooring, tiling and carpeting.

I. Energy conservation improvements (e.g., new double pane windows, steel insulated exterior doors, insulation, solar domestic hot water systems, caulking and weather stripping, etc.).

J. Major landscape work and site improvement (e.g., patios, decks and terraces that improve the value of the property equal to the dollar amount spent on the improvements or required to preserve the property from erosion). The correction of grading and drainage problems is also acceptable. Tree removal is acceptable if the tree is a safety hazard to the property. Repair of existing walks and driveway is acceptable if it may affect the safety of the property. (Fencing, new walks and driveways, and general landscape work (i.e., trees, shrubs, seeding or sod) cannot be in the first $5000 requirement.)

K. Improvements for accessibility to a disabled person (e.g., remodeling kitchens and baths for wheelchair access, lowering kitchen cabinets, installing wider doors and exterior ramps, etc.). Related fixtures such as new cooking ranges, refrigerators, and other appurtenances, as well as general painting are also eligible; however, it must be in addition to the $5,000 requirement.

Can a detached garage or another dwelling be placed on the mortgaged property?

Yes, however, a new addition must be attached to the existing dwelling, and must comply with HUD's Minimum Property Standards in 24 CFR 200.926d and all local codes and ordinances.

Can a dwelling be converted to provide access for a disabled person? Yes.

A dwelling can be remodeled to improve the kitchen and bath to accommodate a wheelchair access. Wider doors and handicap ramps can also be included in the cost of rehabilitation.

What is the minimum amount of rehabilitation required?

There is a minimum $5,000. requirement for the eligible improvements on the existing structure on the property.

Is there a time period on the rehabilitation construction period?

Yes, the Rehabilitation Loan Agreement contains three provisions concerning the timeliness of the work. The work must begin within 30 days of execution of the Agreement. The work must not cease prior to completion for more than 30 consecutive days. The work is to be completed within the time period shown in the Agreement (not to exceed six months); the lender should not allow a time period longer than that required to complete the work.

Does HUD always require a contingency reserve to cover unexpected cost increases?

Typically, yes. On properties older than 30 years and over $7,500 in rehabilitation costs, the cost estimate must include a contingency reserve. The reserve must be a minimum of ten (10) percent of the cost of rehabilitation; however, the contingency reserve may not exceed twenty (20) percent where major remodeling is contemplated.

Nicolas Amaro
Mortgage Loan Officer #911174

Intercounty Mortgage Network, Inc

3400 Highway 35, Suite 1

Hazlet, NJ 07730

Office 732 264 2700

Hablo Espanol