HUD Loans – Advanced Home Inspection of New Hampshire

Red Flags To Look For When Hiring a General Contractor and The Best Way to Avoid Renovation and Construction Disasters!

At the ripe age of 26 and with a great level of naivete and hubris I embarked on the process of building a home. My then husband and I decided that we would be perfectly capable of being our own general contractor. This I believe now is a clear sign of the hubris of youth! We thought that because we had grown up in the area where we were building and knew a lot of people that we would be able to easily find subcontractors to work on our home build. This assumption turned out to be our downfall and a true life lesson. We ended up hiring friends of the family to paint, the father of one of my high school friend’s father as a finish carpenter and a plumber that came highly recommended by our neighbors. In a perfect world this would have all added up to major savings and the security of knowing the people you were working with. However, this is not a perfect world and in the end we often couldn’t get a hold of my high school friend’s father and after charging us for a ridiculous amount of copper piping the plumber that came so highly recommended disappeared and with him all of the pipe.

Getting the Most Bang for Your Buck- Renovate Your Kitchen and Bathroom!

Maybe you have just purchased that diamond in the rough, the house with the good bones and beautiful architecture, but the bathroom tile resembles Pepto bismal and your kitchen has army green linoleum that matches the ancient appliances. Or perhaps, you have lived in your home for years and now that abundance of oak in your kitchen has gotten old or the once glorious jet tub ceased to sooth your aching muscles long ago or you plan to sell your house soon, it is probably time to make some changes to your home. There are many things to consider when you approach either of these type of renovations. Perhaps, after careful consideration you may decide you want to renovate both of these spaces.

The Consultant in Your Corner: What is Required to Become a 203k Consultant and Why You Need One!

Fifteen years ago I built a house in Gilmanton, NH. We were young and had a limited budget, so we decided to be the general contractors and often the construction workers as well. We cleared the land, mapped out the foundation, hired all of the contractors, filled out all of the paperwork and the list goes on. We used word of mouth and our own limited vetting skills to hire contractors, plumbers, electricians, and carpenters. I am sad to report that more than one of the “professionals” that we hired did not complete their work, didn’t show up on the days they were scheduled and requested payments that far exceeded their initial bids. Our lack of experience and knowledge cost us lots of time and money! In hindsight, I would definitely hire a general contractor, I wish I had, had someone to guide me through the complex process.

How Can You Buy That Diamond in the Rough Property and Make it Your Palace?

One of the best parts about New England are all the quaint and historic properties that pepper its small towns and cities alike. As you drive along any New England highway or dirt covered back road you are bound to see several beautiful cape cod style houses, old Victorians, or classic salt boxes. Who hasn’t wondered what it might be like to live in one of these gems?

Rehab Loan Options: HUD 203(k) vs. Fannie Mae Homestyle Loan

With today’s dwindling housing supply, many homebuyers are considering “fixer-uppers.” However, after closing on a traditional loan, many people–especially first-time homebuyers–lack the funds needed to make to make the required renovations. But thanks to the HUD 203(k) and Fannie Mae Homestyle rehab loans, the dream of owning a home is becoming a reality for more people. But which is the best option for you? In this month’s blog, the experts at Advanced Home Inspection compare the HUD 203(k) and Fannie Mae HomeStyle rehab loan.

Both HUD 203(k) and Fannie Mae HomeStyle rehab loans are available for purchase and refinance transactions. And while both are essentially “one time close construction loans,” each allows for different repairs and carries different requirements.

This guide will help you find the best rehab loan for your needs.
Continue reading “Rehab Loan Options: HUD 203(k) vs. Fannie Mae Homestyle Loan”

Advantages of a HUD 203(k) Rehab Loan for First-time Home Buyers

In this month’s Advanced Home Inspection blog, we discuss the many advantages of a HUD 203(k) rehab loan. With high home prices and low inventories throughout the state, many first-time home buyers in New Hampshire are entering the housing market with the help of a HUD 203(k) rehab loan.

What is a HUD 203(k) Rehab Loan?

The HUD 203(k) rehab loan is a specialized renovation or construction loan that’s backed by the Federal Housing Administration. It is unique in that people can borrow money equal to the estimated appraised value of their home after the repair work is completed. No other rehab loan (or other type of loan) offers this.
“Through a 203(k), you can get into a home at a lower price than you could through any other loan program,” says David Cassavaugh, licensed home inspector and owner of AHINH, one of the only certified HUD 203(k) consultants in NH.
Continue reading “Advantages of a HUD 203(k) Rehab Loan for First-time Home Buyers”

What Is a HUD 203(k) Loan?

Neon Loan Sign HUD’s Section 203(k) loan program is one of many FHA programs that make mortgage credit available to borrowers who are buying or refinancing houses in need of repair or modernization.

Unlike conventional rehab programs, the 203(k) has the same relaxed credit- and income-qualifying and low-down payment guidelines as other FHA loan programs. The program is ideal for those who may not otherwise qualify for conventional loans due to income, credit, and/or down payment limitations.

On our News/Resources page, we’ve included links to helpful sections of the Department of Housing and Urban Development website for those seeking more detailed information.