Wednesday, November 18, 2009

Buy a Fixer Upper!

Birdsong Lane Bokeelia Florida
Listed at $99,990
REO Loans - HUD 203K
OK so the 203K loan program, what is it?

It is a loan program designed to allow the costs of repairs and renovations to be added to the purchase price of a property, and thus incorporated into the mortgage. This is especially beneficial with regard to the thousands of distressed properties on the market today.

A home buyer finds a particular location they would like to live in. They would then talk with their lender and appraiser to decide what repairs and renovations and upgrades could be done to the property and still make the loan feasible.The primary reason for the appraiser to be involved is the value added to the appraisal via the repairs and upgrades.For instance, renovating an entire kitchen, cabinets and all, could affect the homes appraised value by thousands, and thus be incorporated into the loan program.The homeowner would need to locate a contractor to aid them in the estimating process of the repairs. Once it is all agreed to, the contractor's proposal is part of the loan documents, and the lender agrees to lend at the remodeled rate, with the cost of repairs included in the purchase.The contractor typical gets a draw schedule from the lender that incorporates a large percentage upon mobilizing to cover ll materials, and subsequent draws for progress payments, until complete with the work.

What homes qualify:
"To be eligible, the property must be a one- to four-family dwelling that has been completed for at least one year. The number of units on the site must be acceptable according to the provisions of local zoning requirements. All newly constructed units must be attached to the existing dwelling. Cooperative units are not eligible.
Homes that have been demolished, or will be razed as part of the rehabilitation work, are eligible provided some of the existing foundation system remains in place.
In addition to typical home rehabilitation projects, this program can be used to convert a one-family dwelling to a two-, three-, or four-family dwelling. An existing multi-unit dwelling could be decreased to a one- to four-family unit.

An existing house (or modular unit) on another site can be moved onto the mortgaged property; however, release of loan proceeds for the existing structure on the non-mortgaged property is not allowed until the new foundation has been properly inspected and the dwelling has been properly placed and secured to the new foundation.
A 203(k) mortgage may be originated on a "mixed use" residential property provided: (1) The property has no greater than 25 percent (for a one story building); 33 percent (for a three story building); and 49 percent (for a two story building) of its floor area used for commercial (storefront) purposes; (2) the commercial use will not affect the health and safety of the occupants of the residential property; and (3) the rehabilitation funds will only be used for the residential functions of the dwelling and areas used to access the residential part of the property." www.hud.gov/offices/hsg/sfh/203k/203kabou.cfm So here are some resources to help you understand what and how this all works:http://www.fhainfo.com/fha203k.htm http://www.hud.gov/offices/hsg/sfh/203k/203kabou.cfm

Saturday, November 7, 2009

Saturday in Matlacha Florida

Beautiful breezy day hear in sunny Florida. Hurricane Ida is whirling around near Nicauragua, sending little breezes our way. It has been a little cooler, so the Manatees are wondering into the canals to stay warmer and hang out. There is always a dolphin or 2 searching for fish along the channel behind the office. Now that the sunsets earlier I have been thinking about parking a couple of Adirondack chairs out behind the office to view the beauty of the setting sun over Matlacha Pass. Anyone like to join me?

Great news for buyers looking to purchase hear in Cape Coral, Matlacha, and Pine Island. The Federal Government has extended and expanded the First Time Home Buyer Program which will certainly continue the buying surge in SW Florida.

My plan is to post my local Real Estate thoughts as often as possible. Daily would be great, but I don't know if I will get an inspiration everyday. I promise to share the good ones! Those Florida sunsets will do it to you.