Foreclosure Repairs: "Streamlined" 203(K) Loans Can Restore A Home!

<h1>Foreclosure Repairs: "Streamlined" 203(K) Loans Can Restore A Home!</h1>Author: <a title="Gary Matzelle" href="http://www.articlesbase.com/authors/gary-matzelle/120167.htm">Gary Matzelle</a> Foreclosures continue to dominate the real estate market and as a result, many homes are left in disrepair. If you are contemplating the purchase of a foreclosure requiring minor repairs, you may want to consider a "Streamlined" 203(k) loan. The Streamlined (k) Limited Repair Program was developed to augment FHA's existing Section 203(k) rehabilitation program for less extensive repairs and improvement. What improvements are eligible under the Streamlined 203 (k) program? The Streamlined (k) program is intended to facilitate uncomplicated rehabilitation and/or improvements to a home for which plans, consultants, engineers and/or architects are not required. The Streamlined (k) program includes the discretionary improvements and/or repairs shown below: *Repair/Replacement of roofs, gutters and downspouts *Repair/Replacement/upgrade of existing HVAC systems *Repair/Replacement/upgrade of plumbing and electrical systems *Repair/Replacement of flooring *Minor remodeling, such as kitchens, which does not involve structural repairs *Painting, both exterior and interior * Weatherization, including storm windows and doors, insulation, weather stripping, etc. *Purchase and installation of appliances, including free-standing ranges, refrigerators, washers/dryers, dishwashers and microwave ovens *Accessibility improvements for persons with disabilities * Lead-based paint stabilization or abatement of lead-based paint hazards *Repair/replace/add exterior decks, patios, porches *Basement finishing and remodeling, which does not involve structural repairs *Basement waterproofing *Window and door replacements and exterior wall re-siding *Septic system and/or well repair or replacement What are the minimum and maximum amounts for repair costs under this program? Given the need for homeowners to make minor repairs without exhausting personal savings, and in consideration of the increasing cost of materials, the minimum repair cost of $5,000 is eliminated and the ceiling is now raised to $35,000. This revised maximum repair/rehabilitation amount recognizes the cost of making older homes more energy efficient. When the repairs exceed $15,000, the mortgagee must perform or obtain an inspection to determine that all listed repairs were completed. Can this program be used for repairs and improvements on purchases of HUD Homes? Like the regular Section 203(k) program, Streamlined (k) may be used for single-family housing sold by HUD. REO properties that have been designated by FHA's Management and Marketing contractor (M&M) as "insurable" with repair escrow ($5,000 or less in required repairs) or "uninsurable" (with more than $5,000 but no more than $35,000 in required repairs) are eligible for the Streamlined (k) program provided that the repairs qualify as eligible work items outlined in this Mortgagee Letter. <a href="http://advancedrestoration.com/">Advanced Restoration</a> is a full service property damage restoration company that specializes in the rehabilitation & restoration of homes and businesses. The company is family-owned and operated with a combined 75 years experience in dealing with Fire Damage Restoration, Water Damage Restoration, Flood & Storm Damage, Mold Remediation, Smoke Damage Restoration and Reconstruction. We service <a href="http://www.advancedrestoration.com/html/areas_we_service.html">Long Island</a> (Nassau County, NY; Suffolk County, NY) and the New York Metro area. For more information on how Advanced Restoration can partner with you, please contact Gary Matzelle at (516) 903-4107, or send an email to <a href="mailto:gmatzelle@advancedrestoration.com">gmatzelle@advancedrestoration.com</a>. Please visit our Website: <a href="http://www.AdvancedRestoration.com" target="_blank">www.AdvancedRestoration.com</a>About the Author: Gary Matzelle is the Marketing Manager for Advanced Restoration Corporation. Article Source: <a href="http://www.articlesbase.com/">ArticlesBase.com</a> - <a href="http://www.articlesbase.com/home-improvement-articles/foreclosure-repairs-streamlined-203k-loans-can-restore-a-home-813028.html" title="Foreclosure Repairs: "Streamlined" 203(K) Loans Can Restore A Home!">Foreclosure Repairs: "Streamlined" 203(K) Loans Can Restore A Home!</a>

Foreclosures continue to dominate the real estate market and as a result, many homes are left in disrepair. If you are contemplating the purchase of a foreclosure requiring minor repairs, you may want to consider a "Streamlined" 203(k) loan.

The Streamlined (k) Limited Repair Program was developed to augment FHA's existing Section 203(k) rehabilitation program for less extensive repairs and improvement.

What improvements are eligible under the Streamlined 203 (k) program?
The Streamlined (k) program is intended to facilitate uncomplicated rehabilitation and/or improvements to a home for which plans, consultants, engineers and/or architects are not required.

The Streamlined (k) program includes the discretionary improvements and/or repairs shown below:

*Repair/Replacement of roofs, gutters and downspouts
*Repair/Replacement/upgrade of existing HVAC systems
*Repair/Replacement/upgrade of plumbing and electrical systems
*Repair/Replacement of flooring
*Minor remodeling, such as kitchens, which does not involve structural repairs
*Painting, both exterior and interior
* Weatherization, including storm windows and doors, insulation, weather stripping, etc.
*Purchase and installation of appliances, including free-standing ranges, refrigerators, washers/dryers, dishwashers and microwave ovens
*Accessibility improvements for persons with disabilities
* Lead-based paint stabilization or abatement of lead-based paint hazards
*Repair/replace/add exterior decks, patios, porches
*Basement finishing and remodeling, which does not involve structural repairs
*Basement waterproofing
*Window and door replacements and exterior wall re-siding
*Septic system and/or well repair or replacement

What are the minimum and maximum amounts for repair costs under this program?
Given the need for homeowners to make minor repairs without exhausting personal savings, and in consideration of the increasing cost of materials, the minimum repair cost of $5,000 is eliminated and the ceiling is now raised to $35,000. This revised maximum repair/rehabilitation amount recognizes the cost of making older homes more energy efficient. When the repairs exceed $15,000, the mortgagee must perform or obtain an inspection to determine that all listed repairs were completed.

Can this program be used for repairs and improvements on purchases of HUD Homes?
Like the regular Section 203(k) program, Streamlined (k) may be used for single-family housing sold by HUD. REO properties that have been designated by FHA's Management and Marketing contractor (M&M) as "insurable" with repair escrow ($5,000 or less in required repairs) or "uninsurable" (with more than $5,000 but no more than $35,000 in required repairs) are eligible for the Streamlined (k) program provided that the repairs qualify as eligible work items outlined in this Mortgagee Letter.

Advanced Restoration is a full service property damage restoration company that specializes in the rehabilitation & restoration of homes and businesses. The company is family-owned and operated with a combined 75 years experience in dealing with Fire Damage Restoration, Water Damage Restoration, Flood & Storm Damage, Mold Remediation, Smoke Damage Restoration and Reconstruction. We service Long Island (Nassau County, NY; Suffolk County, NY) and the New York Metro area.

For more information on how Advanced Restoration can partner with you, please contact Gary Matzelle at (516) 903-4107, or send an email to gmatzelle@advancedrestoration.com.

Please visit our Website: www.AdvancedRestoration.com

Gary Matzelle is the Marketing Manager for Advanced Restoration Corporation.

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When buying a house that needs repair or modernization, homebuyers usually have to follow a complicated and costly process. The interim acquisition and improvement loans often have relatively high interest rates, short repayment terms and a balloon payment. However, Section 203(k) offers a solution that helps both borrowers and lenders, insuring a single, long term, fixed or adjustable rate loan that covers both the acquisition and rehabilitation of a property. Streamlined 203(k)s are discussed.