Renovation loans: FHA 203(k), Fannie's Homestyle Renovation Mortgage & Conventional Rehab Loans

By Elaine VonCannon, ABR, SRES, Associate Broker, Notary, Team Leader, Property Manager, Award Winning Agent

With a plethora of homes still sold as short sales and foreclosures, renovation loans are increasingly popular with homebuyers. Many family dwellings are being redesigned for additional family members these days. As rental housing costs rise, families decide to live together and save money. There are multiple situations that could apply: boomerang children, aging parents, or divorced with grandchildren - the family home is in need of expansion or renovation to ensure everyone fits comfortably.

Rehab loans such as the FHA 203(k) program or the Fannie Mae HomeStyle Renovation Mortgage are the perfect answer for some first time homebuyers, too. If the borrower qualifies for the 203(k) program, the buyer can borrow based on what the house is expected to be worth after the home rehab is completed.

I will summarize some common home renovation loans available to consumers and some of the requirements for each. Interest rates are subject to vary for each loan detailed, so be sure to check with a qualified loan officer first, before embarking on a home purchase or refinance.

Renovation loans are effective for consumers and banks and mortgage companies because they offer the necessary resources to remove foreclosures from the market and redo them. Plus, these loans provide first time homebuyers, (who have historically been 30-40% of a healthy real estate market), the opportunity to renovate before moving in.

FHA 203(k) Rehab Loan

FHA insured home renovation loans are more popular now then ever before, because resources for renovations are greatly needed. A streamline 203(k) loan includes less than $35,000 in renovations. For homebuyers needing over $35,000 in rehab work, a full 203(k) is necessary.

To qualify for the FHA 203(k) loan, the borrower must agree to hire a real estate consultant to assess the construction plan and sign off on each phase. The project must be completed in six months, with five draws (or payments to contractors) allowed. A list of approved property renovations is included with the loan. Many borrowers feel this loan is too complicated – or the list of renovations too restricted for their projects. But the interest rate on FHA loans is low enough to make it worthwhile.

If interested in a FHA 203 (k) loan, find a mortgage broker with experience in this type of rehab loan to complete the transaction. "FHA loans are typically available for owner occupied residences. These loans are government insured and have a more expensive mortgage insurance rate (PMI), with a 1.75% up front payment and a monthly payment of 1.35%, compared to other loan products," says Jeff Hurd, Mortgage Banker with Fidelity Bank Mortgage in Newport News, Virginia. "With conventional rehab loans, the consumer has the option to pay all of the PMI up front, monthly or have the lender pay it (LPMI)," added Hurd.

Fannie Mae's HomeStyle Renovation Mortgage

When comparing the Fannie Mae HomeStyle loan to the 203 (k), Hurd says the HomeStyle loan product offers more flexibility with repairs and renovations and in the types of homes purchased. "The Fannie Mae HomeStyle Loan offers a wider scope of renovation projects, and can be utilized on a second home and an investment property as well as a primary residence," noted Hurd.

Other advantages of the Fannie Mae HomeStyle Renovation Mortgage include less money down then conventional rehab loans (a minimum of 5%) and less cost for the mortgage insurance. "Monthly mortgage insurance payments are reduced with higher down payments and/or a good credit score above 680. The conventional Homestyle will typically present a PMI pricing advantage over FHA," says Jeff Hurd. With Fannie Mae's HomeStyle Renovation Mortgage, home purchases and improvements can be combined into one loan for virtually any property - and it doesn't have to be Fannie Mae owned. The repairs or renovations must be permanently affixed to the structure and add value to the property. Lenders have to be pre-approved to sell this product, so make certain to ask the loan officer if he or she is participating in this home finance program.

Rehab Loans – the Time is Now

Hurd says now is a great time to purchase a home with a rehab loan. "There are so many houses that may be in distress. Whether the house is bank owned, or it's a foreclosure or short sale, or a homeowner is upside down and doesn't want to put the money into a property to fix it up - there are homes to choose from. Right now homebuyers have a good opportunity to buy a house for a great price and renovate it with the financing. These rehab loan products make it easier to buy a house and complete home rehab projects at the same time, before the move in date." Chances are excellent that a consumer can purchase a property, make the necessary renovations and walk out of the transaction with equity in the home. Hurd says, "There is a market of savvy consumers ready to acquire these houses now."

The housing market has changed tremendously over the last five to seven years. Because there are still vacant properties available in this real estate market, rehab loans are a means of obtaining these properties in need of repair. Homebuyers now can expand their choices of homes to live in because they can remodel to suit their needs. Real estate investors can purchase, rehab and rent or resell the property.

Rehab loans are an excellent stimulus for the real estate market and a great way for homebuyers to purchase what they want without having to worry about liquidating cash investments or having tens of thousands of dollars in addition to a mortgage to fund home renovations.

Frank Dodd Act: How it Impacts Procuring a Mortgage

By Elaine VonCannon, ABR, SRES, Associate Broker, Notary, Team Leader, Property Manager, Award Winning Agent

The Dodd Frank Law is going into full effect on January 10, 2014 and it will definitely affect the way homebuyers obtain financing for home purchases. It will have a direct impact the back offices of banks and mortgage brokers, by imposing more compliance protocols. According to Rachel Alexander, columnist for Townhall.com “All loan originators must now be qualified, licensed, registered, and issued a unique identifier.” Alexandar predicts that under these conditions, some mortgage companies will be going out of business.

Though the law is intended to further protect the consumer from banking debacles such as the recent mortgage and real estate meltdown of 2008 – it also has an undesired effect. Some elements of Dodd-Frank Law inhibit many potential homebuyers from obtaining a mortgage for a desired property. As creditors are well aware, there are many professionals and families still in recovery from the recession. This means that borrowers with secure jobs that lost a home in foreclosure or short sale and have not yet attained a high enough credit rating will be left out of the home buying arena. Homebuyers need to check with their lender for credit score requirements that are currently being used to procure a mortgage. Different types of loans have different requirements.

For those who are lucky enough to have secured employment since the recession began, most creditors are looking at stable employment in these positions for a minimum of 2-3 years to qualify for mortgages.

Positive effects of the law for consumers are not to be overlooked. The Dodd-Frank law eliminates the rules of mortgages past - which tied the origination fees to the dollar value of the loan. The Law puts a cap on the amount of money a loan originator can charge for a loan, and eliminates other extraneous bank fees as well. In the beginning, the Dodd-Frank law will take diminish mortgage companies’ bottom line. It is presumed these additional costs for loan origination will be handed down to the consumer, eventually.

Dodd-Frank is creating a real estate market that is top heavy with investors who, since 2009, represent one third of all real estate sales. Cash purchases on properties are not only popular with investors, but with individual homebuyers as well, who want to avoid the mortgage banking qualification process.

Instead of protecting the consumer, many of the restrictions put into place have put a stranglehold on the mortgage lending process for many Americans. Here’s a summary of mortgage lending qualifications that stymie homebuyers:

1. Down payments of 3-20% are required now depending on the loan program. The only 100% financing available is from the USDA and VA loans.
2. Stable income is established. Three years of income tax forms must be submitted, along with current W-2s.
3. The cap on debt to income ratio is 43%.
4. Homebuyers in most cases must also pay for closing costs, another financial hurdle that affects the timeframe of purchasing a home.

Investors Benefit from Dodd-Frank

Real estate investors are heavily represented in the current market. Many have liquid assets at their disposal and want to put them to work in real estate. However, the home vacancy rate is still hovering at 10%, indicating there is an abundance of inventory and not enough homebuyers to offset this. Investors realize there are more families and individuals on the rental market, so the market for the purchase of rental homes, townhouses, condominiums and multi-unit complexes has picked up and in some markets, new construction of rental units is on the rise.

Real estate investors are advised to take advantage of this market and examine real estate portfolios for properties that have reached full depreciation (12 years in most cases). If a property is fully depreciated – it’s time to purchase a new investment property and start the depreciation process anew. Investors should also identify a seasoned property manager to make certain once the home is acquired it is occupied by qualified tenants and maintained.

Learn more about real estate investment properties that are a great deal in your area, call 757-288-4685 or visit:http://www.voncannonrealestate.com.

International Luxury Real Estate Purchasing and Selling

Elaine VonCannon proudly bears the Coldwell Banker Previews International designation, a title she has earned over the past 13 years as a buyers agent and real estate listing agent specializing in luxury homes for sale in Virginia.  In 2012, VonCannon became an Associate Broker for Coldwell Banker Traditions in Williamsburg, Virginia, providing her VIP clients with far more expertise than the average REALTOR.

With well over a decade in experience at selling distinguished homes, Elaine VonCannon can market prestigious real estate effectively, and reach qualified buyers. When representing the buyer, assessing the actual quality of a luxury home is an important skill. She pays special attention to the property’s architectural, structural and aesthetic characteristics, in addition to the features of the landscape and exterior of the property.  

Estate Homes in Virginia

VonCannon has successfully completed the sale and purchase of numerous estate properties that are well-appointed, prestigious residences offering privacy and the comforts a luxury buyer expects.   Situated just two to three hours south of Washington D.C. and close to the Northeast corridor, luxury real estate properties in Virginia are easily accessible to major metropolitan areas. These estate homes are often located in the stunning waterfront areas in the Chesapeake Bay region and Virginia’s countryside.   

Purchasing Luxury Homes and Real Estate

Coldwell Banker International Previews is a program designed for distinguished buyers searching for mansions, estate homes, horse farms, waterfront homes, historic homes or other types of ‘one of a kind’ properties.   Elaine VonCannon’s service to her clients includes confidentiality, discernment and respect.   She is known for exceeding her client’s expectations and negotiating the best possible price and contract on luxury real estate properties.     

Selling Estate Homes and Other Types of Luxury Real Estate

VonCannon and her team provide global marketing services for sellers in the luxury home market by listing exceptional estate homes for sale on her premiere website, EstatesInVirginia.  In addition to her websites, VonCannon places luxury home and real estate listings in Coldwell Banker’s CBSREC Buyer’s Guide and website -- geared directly toward the international real estate market. Luxury properties listed with VonCannon Real Estate display the Coldwell Banker Previews ‘for sale’ sign and provide a Previews information sheet outlining the unique, upscale highlights of the property.  

In today’s real estate market, it is essential to choose a real estate professional who is willing to work diligently to protect the interests of the VIP client.  The VonCannon Real Estate team brings a wealth of experience in the Virginia real estate market and reaches international audiences, too. Work with Elaine VonCannon and you will access her expansive networks, global connections, marketing expertise and resources to buy or sell a magnificent residence unlike any other.      

To find luxury real estate in Virginia, visit http://www.voncannonrealestate.com or http://www.estatesinvirginia.com.   

Virginia Real Estate Professional Earns Broker License and Coldwell Banker Previews Designation

(Williamsburg, VA)   Elaine VonCannon is now an Associate Broker for Coldwell Banker Traditions in Williamsburg, VA.  She recently obtained her broker license from the Virginia Department of Professional and Occupational Regulation after successfully completing several educational modules, including Virginia Real Estate Law and Appraisal. In addition to obtaining her Virginia Broker License, Ms. VonCannon is an Associated Buyers Representative (ABR) and Senior Real Estate Specialist (SRES) and a seasoned property manager. She has assisted her clients in buying and selling residential and commercial real estate in Virginia for 13 years.  

Elaine VonCannon has two websites where Virginia real estate listings can be viewed online, VonCannonRealEstate.com and EstatesInVirginia.com. 

Coldwell Banker International named her a Coldwell Banker Previews Specialist this year, enabling her to showcase some of the most prestigious luxury real estate in Virginia to affluent buyers worldwide. 

“Elaine VonCannon is a real estate professional who understands what it takes to be an industry leader and is committed to her profession,” says Sam Mayo, associate broker and director of business development for Coldwell Banker Traditions.  “She recently added the titles of Associate Broker and Previews Specialist to her list of accomplishments, and we are very proud to have Elaine as part of our team,” he added.

Elaine VonCannon and John Starke, a financial advisor in Richmond, Virginia, hold joint real estate and investment seminars at churches, civic originations and for the general public.  Topics include:  1031 tax free exchanges, first time home buyers, senior buyers, investment properties and Delaware Statuary Trust. Individuals learn how to take a deeper look at real estate investment strategies, re-examine them and execute new ideas for maximum profit. 

Mayo also noted VonCannon, “Blends her real estate success and business knowledge with a true desire to help her customers and clients, and it doesn’t get much better than that.  Elaine is to be commended for becoming a broker as well as earning her distinction as a luxury homes specialist.” 

Elaine’s radio shows and televisions interviews and syndicated articles on real estate topics are easily accessible on her websites.  Home buyers can sign up for a free home 

Master Planned Communities versus Retirement Communities: A Comparison

In the year 2012 and beyond, retirees who are 50+ are seeking a certain type of lifestyle. Retired adults are not just seeking a home in Virginia, North Carolina, South Carolina, Florida or Arizona, where there is a warmer climate most of the year and property taxes are lower than Northern states. For many, full enjoyment of retirement includes continued good health. Excellent health is dependent upon activity: physical, social and intellectual.

Retirement Communities are a Lifestyle Choice for Those With Health Issues
In the recent past, retirement communities have been a popular choice for those in their 60s, 70s, and 80s -- because many offer easy transitions into assisted living and skilled care, should the health of one or both partners fall into decline. This option is still popular and a wise choice for many – especially those without long-term care insurance or children nearby who have time and space to tend to their parents’ health.

Master Planned Communities are a Choice for Many Who Retire Early
Plenty of professionals are finding themselves retired at an earlier age than 65. Adults aged 50+ are either retiring early by choice or because organizations offer them sweet financial deals with an early out. For many in this category, and even some well into their 60s and 70s who remain active, the most desirable lifestyle is an active retirement in an elegant, well-appointed home in surroundings which make it easy to engage in physical and social activities.

Many have been postponing retirement due to uncertain economic times. Some are being told to retire early, as organizations and companies cut back. With recovery from the recession a reality retirement is already on the increase and so is the popularity of living in a master planned community.

Those Who Enter Master Planned Communities Retain Equity in Their Homes
One major advantage in selecting a master planned community over a retirement community is that the homeowner continues to retain equity in a property they have spent a lifetime financing. A home in a master planned community is purchased through a REALTOR and a mortgage or deed of ownership is obtained. Monthly or annual fees usually apply for lawn maintenance, use of golf course, fitness area, clubhouse and other facilities, and additional usage fees may also be added.

Retirement Communities Often Require Large Up-Front Sums to Enter
In most retirement communities, the homeowner must first sell their home in order to meet the financial qualifications to enter the community. A large sum of anywhere from $150,000 and up, is required, and is not usually refunded upon death. The individual must pay the retirement community additional monthly fees for dining, health care, access to fitness facilities and other services. This monthly fee is usually set at one rate, and if health declines, the person may enter assisted living or skilled nursing care. Retirees who have lost their spouse, or whose children live out of state or country, often select a retirement community over a master planned community to ensure they have health care, transportation, and other services, when it becomes necessary.

Master Planned Communities in Williamsburg, Virginia
In Williamsburg, Virginia, there are some excellent master planned communities. Two examples include: Colonial Heritage and Ford’s Colony. These are gated golf communities where luxury homes may be purchased with yard care included, access to restaurants on site, contemporary fitness centers with a full calendar of activities, walking paths that wind through wooded and natural areas, and more. There may be age restrictions for residents of the community (usually 50 or 55+ are only allowed to reside there) and houses can be expensive -- ranging from $250,000-500,000 or more.

Many adults who conclude their professional careers find master planned communities to be their retirement destination of choice. Others see retirement communities as a wiser option, especially if they are aging with health issues. Whatever the choice is for living in retirement – individuals and couples will find the perfect match for their own lifestyle.

Visit VonCannon Real Estate or Estates in Virginia to view homes for sale in master planned communities in Williamsburg, VA.

Select Your Real Estate Agent Carefully in Today’s Market

(Williamsburg, VA) In a difficult housing market, buyers and sellers rely upon good, solid real estate counsel to close deals. Many properties in the Virginia real estate market have lost value over the last two years, and sellers are faced with the prospect of short sale or foreclosure.

Elaine VonCannon, a REALTOR with Coldwell Banker Traditions in Williamsburg, is providing buyers and sellers solid solutions and additional help in the sale or purchase of a home to make the transition easier in this climate. VonCannon says, “In the current market, in most cases I have provided a free one-year home warranty to home buyers and home sellers.”

To make certain pricing reflects what an appraiser would price the property for, she also offers a free Current Market Analysis to buyers and sellers. “I will continue to provide complimentary CMAs and home warranties until the real estate market is stabilized,” said VonCannon. Buyers in this real estate market want assurance they have little or no out-of-pocket home repair expenses during the first year of home ownership. Sellers need to be listing their properties within the guidelines of the CMA.

To complement VonCannon’s residential and commercial real estate business, her business partner, John Starke, offers financial and investment services. Starke is offering VonCannon’s clients a free asset evaluation. Some other services he provides include insurance, long-term care insurance, estate planning and retirement planning.

In many areas of the United States, including Southeastern Virginia, the housing market is nearing bottom. According to an article by the Wall Street Journal in November 2011, “Bank of America Merrill Lynch economists expect the foreclosure process to speed up in nonjudicial states next year, with liquidations peaking in 2013. This is partly why they expect home prices to drop another 8% on average nationwide over the next 18 months before bottoming.”

Currently, property is a good value in several Virginia counties. Investment is highly recommended in real estate in Central Virginia, the Northern Neck, Hampton, Newport News, James City and York Counties. This is mainly due to price reductions over the last two years in these geographic areas.

Elaine VonCannon joined Coldwell Banker Traditions in 2011 because the real estate agency was expanding, and had a reputation for delivering the best client service in Williamsburg, Virginia. VonCannon has built her real estate business model on customer service, so Coldwell Banker’s reputation dovetails nicely with her philosophy. This includes keeping in touch with clients, past and present, returning phone calls promptly, and showing homes in the evenings and on weekends and holidays.

Elaine VonCannon believes there is no magic bullet for selling or buying a home. The buyer and seller need to have the right agent who understands the timing of contracts and is a good negotiator. A REALTOR is preferred since he or she will abide by the code of ethics.

For more information on homes for sale in Virginia, visit: http://www.voncannonrealestate.com or http://www.estatesinvirginia.com. Or, call Elaine VonCannon directly at 757-288-4685.

Buying and Selling a Home: Assessment vs. Real Estate Listing Price

Real estate assessment values are essentially taxes determined by the county or municipality where a property is located. These taxes are collected from the property owner and used to pay for municipal services.

Assessment values on properties in Williamsburg, James City and York Counties are on the decline in 2010 and 2011. Yet actual home prices are showing great variance – either above or below assessed value. For example, in York County two out of eight homes sold for less than assessed value in 2011 while the other six sold for more than assessment, according to an article in the Virginia Gazette, “Price Vs. Appraisal” by Steve Vaughan. The article also noted that in James City County pricing above or below assessed value has been found even in the luxury real estate market.

James City County Real Estate to Decline 6% in Assessed Value by July
Final 2011 end-of-year figures indicate pricing for real estate assessments in James City County are down. Assessments in James City County completed in early 2010 declined by .9%. According to research collected by Steve Vaughan, “real estate assessments in James City are estimated to drop by 6% come July.” James City County properties are assessed every two years and are due to be re-assessed in 2012.

York County Property Assessments Down in 2010 & 2011
Vaughan’s article also indicated York County assessments are on the decline. Decreases of 1.4% in 2010 and 4.5% in 2011 are cited. Rick Millman, the County Assessor said, “Homes below $250,000 have held up better than town homes or condos. Homes in the $250,000-750,000 range have not done as well because of the limited number of potential buyers that can, or are willing to purchase homes in that range.” Meanwhile, Millman indicated waterfront properties and luxury homes have been able to hold their value.

How Important is a Tax Assessment When Determining Market Value?
Buyers and sellers should not use the tax assessment as a guideline for the value of a home. Many home sellers do not understand that tax assessment value has little to do with the market price for a home. In real estate transactions, market price is determined by an appraisal.

The Current Market Analysis (C.M.A.) is a wonderful tool REALTORS use in order to price a home before it is placed on the market. This report will survey comparable properties and recommend realistic price ranges. Matters affecting current real estate price variation include: age (when home was first built and recorded), short sales and foreclosures that have closed in the past 12 months, location of the home, and other factors.

Home Valuations on Popular Real Estate Listing Websites
Many homeowners are using websites that display free or low cost real estate listings to find values on their homes. This type of property valuation is fraught with difficulties and produces mostly inaccurate market pricing. These websites are usually reliant upon computer-generated methods to determine pricing on a property, and their estimates are generally based on averages.

When a seller lists a property, no matter where it is located, he or she should have a qualified REALTOR gather real time home pricing information. Do not rely on tax assessments or real estate websites to provide accurate, current information on home listing prices.

In conclusion, tax assessments are not the primary source of pricing information for real estate transactions, in any real estate market. Assessments exist and are collected so a tax base can provide the necessary support for a community. For pricing, request a Current Market Analysis from a real estate professional. Buyers truly interested in a property will have an appraisal conducted because it will be required by a lender or bank to close the sale.

For a free C.M.A. on your home for sale in Virginia, email voncannonrealestate@cox.net, or visit http://www.voncannonrealestate.com.