Tuesday, January 10, 2012

Homepath Renovation Mortgage Financing and the FHA 203k Loan

HomePath by Fannie Mae Have you ever driven past a home with a sign that says “Fannie Mae Homepath"? If so, and if you’re in the market to buy a home then this could be another option for you to add to your property search. So, what is a Homepath property? It’s a property which is currently owned by Fannie Mae and was acquired through the foreclosure process. The name “HomePath” is the branding term used for these Fannie Mae-owned properties.

There is no special requirement for you the buyer as HomePath properties can be purchased like any other property on the market with or without financing. It can be purchased as an owner occupied (your primary residence), an investment property or even as a second home. Fannie Mae also offers its own financing product specifically for these properties called a “HomePath Mortgage”.

Just like HUD homes, Homepath properties can have an advantage of being financed with the same type of home loan originally used before it was foreclosed on. On HUD homes that would be FHA insured financing. For Homepath properties that would be a “Homepath Mortgage”. There are two types to choose from, one with renovations and one without. Depending on the property it will indicate which type of Homepath financing is available which you can find at the HomePath website.

HomePath Mortgage: The “HomePath Mortgage” has a minimum down payment of 3% and no mortgage insurance or appraisal is required, which is a great feature. But, in exchange for a home loan with no mortgage insurance which is typically required, there may be a higher interest rate in comparison to other home loans with mortgage insurance. For the most part, the monthly payments would still be within the same range so using a “HomePath Mortgage” when buying a “HomePath property” could still be your best bet. Both “owner occupied” buyers and investors can apply for the “Homepath Mortgage”.  

HomePath Renovation Mortgage: For properties needing minor or moderate repairs Fannie Mae offers the “HomePath Renovation Mortgage”. It works similar to the FHA 203k loan in the sense that it is one loan amount which includes both the funds for the purchase and renovations but it has more limitations than the FHA 203k loan.

For instance “HomePath Renovation Financing” allows for light to moderate renovations of a property with a limitation of 35% of the “as completed value” with a maximum renovation amount of $35,000. Light to moderate renovations are ones that will allow the borrower to live in the property while the renovations are completed. Those repairs will be identified in the appraisal, including any cosmetic repairs identified by you, the buyer. Both owner occupied buyers and investors can apply for the “HomePath Renovation Mortgage”.  

HomePath & FHA Lenders Now even though “HomePath properties” give you the option to use a “HomePath loan” you can also purchase the property with any other type of mortgage financing as well. Your best comparable alternative, if you plan to purchase as owner occupied with a minimal down payment, would be an FHA loan. The FHA loan has a similar minimum down payment of 3.5% which is only a half percent (.5%) more than a “HomePath Mortgage”. And if the property needs improvements, be it minor or major rehab, you can utilize the FHA 203K. FHA loans also have a bit more flexibility in qualifying plus on average a lower interest rate. As a reminder, FHA loans do require mortgage insurance.

Having choices and making sure you get the right loan for your “HomePath Property” is important so the first step you should take is to talk to a lender. Keep in mind though, not all lenders are approved or specialize in these types of loans. So, whether it’s the “HomePath Mortgage” the “Homepath Renovation Mortgage”, FHA or FHA 203k loan choose wisely. A good start would be contacting your 203k Loan Specialist for your State on more information regarding your “HomePath” and FHA 203k options.  

 

Happy House Hunting.