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What are the mortgagor's requirements for selecting the contractor? And what are the mortgagee's requirements for review of the contractor and the rehabilitation proposal?
The mortgagor must use one or more contractors to complete the repairs. "Self-help" arrangements, in which the mortgagor performs the work, are not to be approved unless the mortgagor can sufficiently demonstrate that he or she has the necessary expertise and experience to perform the work competently (e.g., mortgagor is an electrician and will perform electrical repairs/upgrades to the property).
The mortgagor will select the contractor(s) who will provide estimates for work to be done. The mortgagee reviews the mortgagor's proposed work plan and cost estimates to ensure the planned work meets all program and repair recommendations as noted on the appraisal report. The mortgagor must provide the mortgagee with a written cost estimate(s) and references from a duly licensed and bonded contractor(s) for each specialized repair or improvement. If "self-help" arrangements are utilized, the mortgagor must provide written estimates from the suppliers of the materials. Those repairs and improvements must meet any local codes and ordinances and the mortgagor and/or contractor must obtain all required permits prior to the commencement of work.
The cost estimate(s) must clearly state the nature and type of repair and the cost for completion of the work item and must be made even if the mortgagor is performing some or all of the work under a self-help arrangement. The mortgagee must review the contractor's credentials, work experience and client references and may require the mortgagor to provide additional cost estimates if necessary. After review, the selected contractor(s) must agree in writing to complete the work for the amount of the cost estimate and within the allotted time frame. A copy of the contractor's cost estimate(s) and the Homeowner/Contractor Agreement(s) must be placed in the insuring binder. The contractor must finish the work in accordance with the written estimate and Homeowner/Contractor Agreement and any approved change order. As in the regular 203(k) program, the Rehabilitation Construction Period begins when the mortgage loan is closed.
What are the mortgagee's requirements for paying contractors?
No more than two payments may be made to each contractor, or to the mortgagor if the mortgagor is performing the work under a self-help arrangement. The first payment is intended to defray material costs and shall not be more than 50% of the estimated costs of all repairs/improvements. When permits are required, those fees may be reimbursed to the contractor at closing. The final payment to the contractor will be made following completion of all work and release of any and all liens arising out of the contract or submission of receipts or other evidence of payment covering all subcontractors or suppliers who could file a legal claim. When necessary, the mortgagee may arrange a payment schedule, not to exceed two (2) releases, per specialized contractor (an initial release plus a final release.) Mortgagees are to issue payments solely to the contractor, except if the mortgagor is performing the work under a self-help arrangement, in which case the mortgagor may be reimbursed for materials purchased in accordance with the previously obtained estimates; the mortgagor may not be compensated for his or her labor.
To eliminate the need and cost for an inspection of the completed repair(s) or improvement(s) when not exceeding $15,000, the mortgagee may accept receipts or proof of completion of the work to the homeowner's satisfaction from the contractor. Before a final release is made, the mortgagor must sign a statement acknowledging that the work has been completed in a professional and satisfactory manner.
May the mortgagee establish a Contingency Reserve?
The Streamlined (k) program does not mandate a contingency reserve be established. However, at the mortgagee's discretion a contingency reserve account may be set up for administering the loan. Funds held back in contingency reserve must be used solely to pay for the proposed repairs or improvements and any unforeseen items related to these repair items. Any unspent funds remaining after the final work item payment(s) is made, must be applied to the mortgage principal.
Is there a maximum mortgage amount worksheet that must be used?
Form HUD-92700, 203(k) Maximum Mortgage Worksheet must be used to calculate the mortgage amount. Also, the appraiser must provide an after-improved value since 110% of that amount is used in calculating the maximum mortgage. Architectural and consultant fees, line items 6 and 7 of Section B of the worksheet are not applicable to the Streamlined (k) program. For Item 3 of Section D, please refer to handbook HUD-4155.1 REV-5, paragraph 1-7 which provides the various maximum loan-to-value ratios.
Expenses that may be included in the total amount of the improvements, not to exceed the $35,000 limit, are inspection fees, building and other permits, the supplemental origination fee, title update costs and the amount of any contingency reserve required by the mortgagee.
Can we combine the Streamlined (k) with an Energy Efficient Mortgage (EEM)?
The EEM program, as described in ML 05-21, may be used in conjunction with the Streamlined (k) program. The amounts permissible under the EEM program-as well as the qualifying requirements-are in addition to those available under the Streamlined (k) program and, thus, combined may exceed the $35,000 Streamlined (k) repair cost limit. Both the cost of EEM improvements as well as weatherization items (not to exceed $2,000) may be added to the total FHA loan amount.
What are the "closeout requirements" under the Streamlined (k) program?
The mortgagee electronically certifies the closeout via the FHA Connection and is not required to forward the closeout documents to FHA. As with all FHA case binders, the originator must retain the file, either in hard copy or electronic format, for two years following endorsement of the mortgage. Proper close-out means that the mortgagee has certified that it has reviewed and verified for accuracy of the following without limitations: mortgagor's acknowledgement of satisfactory completion, evidence of release of lien(s), mortgagee's inspection report(s), change orders, mortgagee accounting of the escrow funds, and record of disbursements.
Are there specific data entry requirements under the Streamlined (k) program?
The mortgagee must enter "203KS" in the 203(k) Consultant ID field in the Case Number Assignment Screen (and the Insurance Application Screen) to identify the Streamlined (k) product and enter the amount of the repairs in the Repair Escrow Amount field in the Insurance Application Screen. In the event that the mortgagee had originally begun processing the case as a purchase mortgage without repairs, the mortgagee should update the existing case data in the Case Number Assignment screen, changing the ADP Code to a valid 203(k) ADP Code and the Construction Code to Substantial Rehabilitation.
If the Streamlined (k) mortgage is for a refinance transaction, please enter "substantial rehabilitation" in the drop down screen labeled "Construction Code" and "Not Streamlined" (the refinance type) in the drop down screen labeled "All Refinances" in the Case Number Assignment Screen in FHA Connection.
What items remain ineligible for the Streamlined (k) program?
Properties that require the following work items are not eligible for financing under the Streamlined (k):
- Major rehabilitation or major remodeling, such as the relocation of a load-bearing wall;
- New construction (including room additions);
- Repair of structural damage;
- Repairs requiring detailed drawings or architectural exhibits;
- Landscaping or similar site amenity improvements;
- Any repair or improvement requiring a work schedule longer than six (6) months; or
- Rehabilitation activities that require more than two (2) payments per specialized contractor.
Mortgagors may not use the Streamlined (k) program to finance any required repairs arising from the appraisal that do not appear on the list of Streamlined (k) Eligible Work Items or that would:
- Necessitate a "consultant" to develop a "Specification of Repairs/Work Write-Up";
- Require plans or architectural exhibits;
- Require a plan reviewer;
- Require more than six months to complete;
- Result in work not starting within 30 days after loan closing; or
- Cause the mortgagor to be displaced from the property for more than 30 days during the time the rehabilitation work is being conducted. (FHA anticipates that, in a typical case, the mortgagor would be able to occupy the property after mortgage loan closing).
Energy Efficient Mortgages Program (new buyers, homeowners) - (Top)
The Energy Efficient Mortgages Program (EEM) helps homebuyers or homeowners save money on utility bills by enabling them to finance the cost of adding energy-efficiency features to new or existing housing as part of their FHA-insured home purchase or refinancing mortgage.
Purpose:
This program seeks to help achieve national energy-efficiency goals (and reduce pollution) and provide better housing for people who might not otherwise be able to afford it. By considering the savings on monthly utility bills when determining how large a mortgage the household can afford, as many as 250,000 more new homebuyers could qualify per year, according to a 1986 study by the Joint Center for Housing Studies. Although EEMs have been available in some States since 1980, they have been little understood or marketed. With EEMs, borrowers do not need to get a separate, costly loan for energy improvements when buying an existing home.
Type of Mortgage:
EEM is one of many FHA programs that insure mortgage loans--and thus encourage lenders to make mortgage credit available to borrowers who would not otherwise qualify for conventional loans on affordable terms (such as first-time homebuyers) and to residents of disadvantaged neighborhoods (where mortgages may be hard to get). Borrowers who obtain FHA's popular Section 203(b) Mortgage Insurance for One- to Four-Family Homes are eligible for approximately 97 percent financing, and are able to fold closing costs and the up-front mortgage insurance premium into the mortgage. The borrower must also pay an annual premium.
EEM can also be used with the FHA Section 203(k) rehabilitation program and generally follows that program's financing guidelines. For energy-efficient housing rehabilitation activities that do not also require buying or refinancing the property, borrowers may also consider HUD's Title I Home Improvement Loan program.
How to Get an EEM:
FHA-approved lending institutions-which include many banks, savings and loan associations, and mortgage companies-can make loans covered by EEM insurance.
Eligible Customers:
All persons who meet the income requirements for FHA's standard Section 203(b) insurance and can make the monthly mortgage payments are eligible to apply. The cost of the energy improvements and estimate of the energy savings must be determined by a home energy rating system (HERS) or an energy consultant. Up to $200 of the cost of energy inspection report may be included in the mortgage. Cooperative units are not eligible; individual condominium units may be insured if they are in projects that have been approved by FHA or the Department of Veterans Affairs, or meet certain Fannie Mae guidelines.
EEM can also be used with FHA's Section 203(h) program for mortgages made to victims of presidential declared disasters. The mortgage must comply with both Section 203(h) requirements, as well as those for EEM. However, the program is limited to one-unit detached houses.
Eligible Activities:
EEM can be used to make energy-efficient improvements in one to four existing and new homes. The improvements can be included in a borrower's mortgage only if their total cost is less than the total dollar value of the energy that will be saved during their useful life. The cost of the improvements that may be eligible for financing as part of the mortgage is either 5 percent of the property's value (not to exceed $8,000) or $4,000--whichever is greater. The maximum mortgage limit for a single-family home is $160,950, plus the cost of the eligible energy-efficient improvements. (Limits may be lower in some areas of the country.)
Single-Family Cooperative Mortgage Insurance (Section 203(n)) (new buyer) - (Top)
The Section 203(n) program insures mortgages for persons buying a unit in a cooperative housing project. The mortgage is made by a lending institution, such as a mortgage company, bank, or savings and loan association, and is insured by HUD's Federal Housing Administration (FHA).
Purpose:
The purpose of FHA's mortgage insurance programs is to encourage lenders to make mortgage credit available to borrowers who would not otherwise qualify for conventional loans on affordable terms (such as lower income families and first-time homebuyers) and to residents of disadvantaged neighborhoods (where mortgages may be hard to get).
The basic FHA mortgage insurance program is Mortgage Insurance for One- to Four-Family Homes (Section 203(b)), which offers homebuyers lower initial costs and lower down payment requirements, and allows borrowers to fold some of the closing costs into the loan. Section 203(n) is one of several FHA programs based on Section 203(b) that have special features--in this case, financing structured to meet the needs of persons who are buying a corporate certificate and occupancy certificate, the instruments that enable them to own a share of and live in a cooperative housing project (co-op).
Type of Assistance:
The program insures a mortgage to purchase an apartment in a residential cooperative--which can be a detached or semidetached building, a row house, or a multifamily building.
HUD sets limits on the amount that may be insured. To make sure that its programs serve low- and moderate-income people, FHA sets limits on the dollar value of the mortgage. The current FHA mortgage limit ranges from $172,632 to $312,895. These figures vary over time and by place, depending on the cost of living and other factors (higher limits also exist for two- to four-family properties).
Many of the terms of Section 203(n) insurance are the same as those governing basic FHA single-family mortgage insurance. Borrowers can finance 97 percent of the price of their cooperative ownership, and that financing can include many of the closing costs involved in buying a home. Because they can borrow so much of the price of their unit, the down payment can be a low as 3 percent.
Home Equity Conversion Mortgage Program (senior homeowners) - (Top)
The Home Equity Conversion Mortgage program enables older homeowners to withdraw some of the equity in their home in the form of monthly payments for life or a fixed term, or in a lump sum, or through a line of credit.
Purpose:
The Home Equity Conversion Mortgage Program (HECM) can enable an older home owning family to stay in their home while using some of its built up equity. The program allows such a household to get an insured reverse mortgage-a mortgage that converts equity into income. Because older persons can be vulnerable to fraudulent practices, the program requires that persons receive free reverse mortgage housing counseling from a HUD-approved reverse mortgage counseling agency before applying for a reverse mortgage. FHA insures HECM loans to protect lenders against loss if amounts withdrawn exceed equity when the property is sold.
Type of Assistance:
HECM can be used by homeowners who are 62 years of age and older. The total income that an owner can receive through HECM is the maximum claim amount, which is calculated with a formula including the age of the owner(s), the interest rate, and the value of the home. For example, on the basis of a loan at recent interest rates, a 65-year-old could borrow up to 26 percent of the home's value, a 75-year-old could borrow up to 39 percent, and an 85-year-old could borrow up to 56 percent.
Borrowers may choose one of five payment options: (1) tenure, which gives the borrower a monthly payment from the lender for as long as the borrower lives and continues to occupy the home as a principal residence; (2) term, which gives the borrower monthly payments for a fixed period selected by the borrower; (3) line of credit, which allows the borrower to make withdrawals up to a maximum amount, at times and in amounts of the borrower's choosing; (4) modified tenure, which combines the tenure option with a line of credit; and (5) modified term, which combines the term option with a line of credit.
The borrower remains the owner of the home and may sell it and move at any time, keeping the sales proceeds that exceed the mortgage balance. A borrower cannot be forced to sell the home to pay off the mortgage, even if the mortgage balance grows to exceed the value of the property. A HECM loan need not be repaid until the borrower moves, sells, or dies. When the loan must be paid, if it exceeds the value of the property, the borrower (or the heirs) will owe no more than the value of the property. FHA insurance will cover any balance due the lender.
Two mortgage insurance premiums are collected to pay for HECM: an up front premium (2 percent of the home's value), which can be financed by the lender, and a monthly premium (which equals 0.5 percent per year of the mortgage balance). The lender's loan origination charge can vary, but only up to $1,800 in such charges may be financed by HECM. Borrowers may be charged appraisal and inspection fees set by HUD; these charges can also be financed.
As part of the HECM program, HUD has provided for free reverse mortgage counseling (with training for the counselors) for persons considering using such an instrument, and a toll-free information line (800) CALL-FHA (800-225-5342).
Mortgage Insurance for Condominium Units (Section 234(c)) (new buyer, homeowner) - (Top)
This program insures the loan for a person who purchases a unit in a condominium building.
Purpose:
One of the many purposes of FHA's mortgage insurance programs is to encourage lenders to make affordable mortgage credit available for non-conventional forms of ownership. Condominium ownership, in which the separate owners of the individual units jointly own the development's common areas and facilities, is one particularly popular alternative. Insurance for condominiums, such as is provided through Section 234(c), can be important for low- and moderate-income renters who wish to avoid being displaced by the conversion of their apartment building into a condominium.
Type of Assistance:
The program insures a loan for as many as 30 years to purchase a unit in a condominium building--which must contain at least four dwelling units and can be detached or semidetached, a row house, a walk-up, or an elevator structure. The loan is made by a lending institution, such as a mortgage company, bank, or savings and loan association, and is insured by HUD's Federal Housing Administration (FHA). Most of the features of Section 234(c) mortgage insurance are the same as those governing HUD's basic FHA mortgage insurance program, Mortgage Insurance for One- to Four-Family Homes (Section 203(b)). For example, down payment requirements can be low--3 percent or less--because FHA insurance allows homebuyers to finance about 97 percent of the home's cost through their mortgage. In addition, some closing costs can be financed, reducing up-front costs. And FHA limits some fees that lenders charge-for example, the loan origination charge. Finally, FHA sets limits on the size of the mortgage loan that vary with location and the number of units being purchased.
However, Section 234(c) does have some additional, unique restrictions. If the apartment is in a building that was converted from rental housing, no insurance may be provided under Section 234(c) unless: (1) the conversion occurred more than one year before the application for insurance; (2) the potential buyer or co-buyer was a tenant of that rental housing; or (3) the conversion of the property is sponsored by a tenant's organization that represents a majority of the households in the project. Eighty percent of FHA-insured mortgages in the project must be made to owner-occupants.
Developers may obtain FHA-insured mortgages to finance the construction or rehabilitation of housing projects that they intend to sell as individual condominium units under HUD's Section 234(d) program.
Eligible Customers:
Any creditworthy potential owner-occupant who meets FHA underwriting criteria and will make the condominium unit their principal residence is eligible for a mortgage insured under this program.
Manufactured Home Loan Insurance (Title I) (new buyer) - (Top)
This program insures mortgage loans made by private lending institutions to finance the purchase of a new or used manufactured home.
Purpose:
HUD has been providing loan insurance on manufactured homes under Title I since 1969. By protecting mortgage lenders against the risk of default, HUD's participation has encouraged them to finance manufactured homes, which had traditionally been financed as personal property through comparatively high-interest, short-term consumer installment loans. The program thereby increases the availability of affordable financing and mortgages for buyers of manufactured homes and allows buyers to finance their home purchase at a longer term and lower interest rate than with conventional loans.
Type of Assistance:
The program insures lenders against loss from default on loans of up to $48,600. The program insures private lenders against losses of up to 90 percent of the value of a single loan. Total insurance coverage is limited to 10 percent of the lender's Title I portfolio. The buyer must agree to make a 5 percent down payment and interest rate payments determined by the lender. Annual insurance charges start at $1 per $100 of the loan amount, but are reduced in the later years of the loan. The maximum loan term varies from 20 to 25 years.
Manufactured Home Lot and Combination Loan Insurance (new buyers) - (Top)
This program insures mortgage loans made by private lenders to buyers of manufactured homes and the lots on which to place them.
Purpose:
HUD has been providing mortgage insurance on manufactured homes under Title I since 1969. By protecting mortgage lenders against the risk of default, HUD's participation has encouraged them to finance manufactured homes, which had traditionally been financed as personal property through comparatively high-interest, short-term consumer installment loans. The program thereby increases the availability of affordable financing and mortgages for buyers of manufactured homes and allows the buyers to finance purchase of their home at a term and interest rate comparable with the commercial loans typically used to finance manufactured homes.
Type of Assistance:
Title I programs offer coinsurance--HUD insures private lenders against losses of up to 90 percent of the value of a single loan, while the lender retains responsibility for the remaining 10 percent. In addition, the insurance coverage is limited to 10 percent of the lender's Title I portfolio. The buyer must agree to make a down payment and interest rate payments determined by the lender.
Title I insurance may be used for loans of up to $64,800 for a manufactured home and lot and $16,200 for a lot only. The lot must be appraised by a HUD-approved lender. The dollar limits for combination and lot loans may be increased up to 85 percent in designated high-cost areas. The maximum loan term is 20 years for a single-module home and lot, 25 years for a multiple module home and lot, and 15 years for a lot only.
Property Improvement Loan Insurance (Title I) (homeowner) - (Top)
Under Title I, HUD insures lenders against most losses on home improvement loans.
Purpose:
The Federal Housing Administration (FHA) makes it easier for consumers to obtain affordable home improvement loans by insuring loans made by private lenders to improve properties that meet certain requirements. "Lending institutions make loans from their own funds to eligible borrowers to finance these improvements."
Type of Assistance:
The Title I program insures loans to finance the light or moderate rehabilitation of properties, as well as the construction of nonresidential buildings on the property. This program may be used to insure such loans for up to 20 years on either single- or multifamily properties. The maximum loan amount is $25,000 for improving a single-family home or for improving or building a nonresidential structure.
For improving a multifamily structure, the maximum loan amount is $12,000 per family unit, not to exceed a total of $60,000 for the structure. These are fixed-rate loans, for which lenders charge interest at market rates. The interest rates are not subsidized by HUD, although some communities participate in local housing rehabilitation programs that provide reduced-rate property improvement loans through Title I lenders.
FHA insures private lenders against the risk of default for up to 90 percent of any single loan. The annual premium for this insurance is $1 per $100 of the amount advanced; although this fee may be charged to the borrower separately, it is sometimes covered by a higher interest charge.
Good Neighbor Next Door Program (new buyer) - (Top)
Law enforcement officers, pre-Kindergarten through 12th grade teachers and firefighters/emergency medical technicians can contribute to community revitalization while becoming homeowners through HUD's Good Neighbor Next Door Sales Program. HUD offers a substantial incentive in the form of a discount of 50% from the list price of the home. In return you must commit to live in the property for 36 months as your sole residence.
How the Program Works: Eligible Single Family homes located in revitalization areas are listed exclusively for sales through the Good Neighbor Next Door Sales program. Properties are available for purchase through the program for five days.
HUD requires that the borrower sign a second mortgage and note for the discount amount. No interest or payments are required on this "silent second" provided that they fulfill the three-year occupancy requirement.
The number of properties available is limited and the list of available properties changes weekly.
Who May Participate in the Good Neighbor Next Door Sales Program?
Law enforcement officers, pre-K through 12th grade teachers and firefighters/emergency medical technicians are eligible to purchase home through this program.
What Are the Benefits for the Participant?
The selected bidder may purchase the property at a 50 percent discount from the list price. For example, if a HUD home is listed for $100,000, an officer can buy it for $50,000. To make a HUD home even more affordable, the borrower may apply for an FHA-insured mortgage with a down payment of only $100 and they may finance all closing costs.
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