Renovation loan: a new way to finance ADU construction (2024)

Financing your ADU has become easier.

I am sure that when someone mentions financing, or budgeting, or anything to do withRenovation loan: a new way to finance ADU construction (1) numbers for a project there is a slight shudder of angst. When building an ADU there are many facets to getting started but ultimately you need to know if you can financially build the project first. As you don’t want to put the cart before the horse and get excited about the design and layout of your new project without funding. It’s easy to get excited about your new project but backing that cart up can be tricky if you don’t lay out your monetary plans first.

Any qualified borrower can buy and finance the purchase plus the money for improvements. Qualification is generally based on the lower of the sales price plus repairs or the improved value of the property. All standard FHA or Conventional loans; income, credit and documentation criteria applies.

In the case of building an ADU with an FHA 203k or Conventional Homestyle renovation loan, the financing is as simple as combining your ADU project and home with a refinance or purchase into a single mortgage loan. There’s just one loan, application, set of fees, closing, and monthly payment. When you take ownership or finish the refinance of the home and ADU at closing, the repair money is put into a special account for future disbursem*nt as the improvements are completed.

A Renovation Loan is based on the increased property value after renovation. Plus, the required down payment can be as low as 3.5%. Interest rates are historically low and improvement costs can be stretched over the loan term. This can really save you compared to most improvements paid for with more expensive consumer credit. You may also finance up to six months of mortgage payments if the house is uninhabitable during construction. Check out these comparisons on renovation loans.

Key Steps for you to close your loan in a timely manner:
1. Make sure your prequalification is for a product that will close as is and is structured on the necessary loan amount not just the sales price. Make sure you are dealing with a Renovation Lending Specialist who is experienced specifically in renovation loans and can discuss all the features, benefits, terms and conditions with you.
a. Verify you have considered a reasonable cost of renovations

2. Investigate the property condition and after improved value with your Real Estate Professionals if purchasing. Or with a refinance acknowledge the repairs or updates that will make this ADU your desired finished product.
a. Cost to Cure, BPO, Appraisal
b. Contractor estimate

3. Look for a Contractor who licensed, insured and capable to do the work.
a. Ask for referrals from your Real Estate Professionals, friends and family.
b. Contact your local Home Builders and Remodeling Organizations.

4. Estimate the After improved value to be sure the values work. You can speak with your contractor and 203k HUD Consultant about this.
a. Sales Price + Improvements < After Improved Value*

5. Prepare for the Contractor Package required by lender.
a. License, Liability Insurance, Workman’s Comp
b. Home Owner Contractor Agreement (HOCA) and detailed bid.

*For FHA Loan amount = lower of [(sales price + improvements) x 96.5%] or 110% of after improved value.

A typical renovation loan will take up to 45 days to complete. Given that the bids are submitted in a timely process. See the Renovation 45 Day Loan Calendar.

In the past Renovation loans were challenging because they were unusual and lenders were not comfortable with the differences. That is not the reality today. Prospect Mortgage has made a decision to focus on the benefits of Renovation Loans and created efficient workflows so that together we can deliver closings on time.

Renovation loan: a new way to finance ADU construction (2)

Check out my website to learn more about renovation loan products.

For more information, please contact:

Paul Martinez,Loan Officer
Renovation Loan Specialist

NMLS# 69131

503-232-6659Direct

503-808-1000Cell/Text

360-524-3494Vancouver

www.paulsteam.com

About FaithWatkins

Renovation loan: a new way to finance ADU construction (3)

A Fresh Face in the Industry!Since I purchased my first home over seven years ago I was fascinated with the mortgage and real estate industry. Whilst the economy crashed and I was laid off from my corporate job I saw the advantage of joining this industry while in its lowest times. Since February of 2011 I have been working with clients in the Oregon market and just expanded to Washington this winter. I love what I do and have a passion to continue offering borrowers the best loan for their personal financial scenario.I graduated from the business school at the University of Washington and have worked in Human Resources, Recruiting, Marketing and Sales throughout my career. When I am not working; I am running up and down the soccer field, working out at my Crossfit gym, snowboarding or watching live music.I am knowledgeable about a wide range of different loan programs in order to serve your unique needs and financial goals. Whether you’re making a first time purchase, a second home purchase or looking to refinance, I can help you. I value your business and will provide you with the best professional service and mortgage solutions that make the most sense for you and your particular financial situation and real estate goals.I’m also an expert in 203k Renovation Lending, which is a program particularly well suited for buyers of fixer-uppers and REOs in need of repair. I specialize in working with first time home buyers who need to utilize government programs such as FHA, VA, Oregon Bond, USDA rural housing, and offer the Mortgage Credit Certificate in Portland, OR and Home Advantage and MCC in WA.Equal Housing Lender. Prospect Mortgage, LLC, NMLS #3296. I am a licensed mortgage originator, NMLS# 395992, and am licensed to originate mortgage loans in the following state(s): Oregon & Washington. To learn more, visit my Prospect Mortgage website at www.faithwatkins.com

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Renovation loan: a new way to finance ADU construction (2024)

FAQs

Renovation loan: a new way to finance ADU construction? ›

A renovation loan is a first mortgage that finances both your home purchase and renovation costs, which can include adding an ADU. This allows you to include the cost of renovations or an ADU into your purchase, without having to separately find financing or use cash savings for a renovation or to build an ADU.

What type of loan is best for ADU? ›

A home equity line of credit is an alternative option for financing an ADU. Similar to a home equity loan, a HELOC allows homeowners to leverage the equity in their property.

Can a 203k loan be used to build an ADU? ›

Yes, the FHA 203k loan allows you to use it for an ADU, but you need to be aware of certain parameters. For starters, the ADU must be either attached to the main house by a common wall or be a conversion of an interior space of the main home. This can include conversions of garages attached to the main house.

How to get a loan for an ADU in California? ›

Funding an ADU in California can be accomplished with many different types of financing options including a Home Equity Line of Credit (HELOC), Home Equity Loan, Cash-Out Refinance, or 203k Loan, and with California Housing Finance Agency's (CalHFA) Grant Program.

Can you build an ADU with a HomeStyle loan? ›

This option allows a home buyer to purchase a house and build an ADU with one loan. 203(k) loans may have more relaxed credit requirements than other ADU financing options. Both loans allow very high loan-to- value ratios. A HomeStyle® loan will typically have a loan-to-value ratio of 97%.

Does California give money for ADU? ›

ADUs are an innovative, affordable, effective option for adding much-needed housing in California. CalHFA's ADU Grant Program has already created more housing units in California by providing grants up to $40,000 to reimburse pre-development and non-recurring closing costs associated with the construction of an ADU.

What does the ADU grant cover? ›

The ADU Grant provides up to $40,000 towards pre-development and non-reoccurring closing costs associated with the construction of the ADU. Predevelopment costs include site prep, architectural designs, permits, soil tests, impact fees, property survey, and energy reports.

What is the difference between a casita and an ADU? ›

All casitas are ADUs, but not all ADUs are casitas. The size limitation offers a guideline, where Casitas are traditionally limited to 800 square feet, while ADUs can be up to 1,200 square feet. However, exceeding the 800-square-foot mark would essentially transform a Casita into an ADU.

Does Fannie Mae allow income from an ADU? ›

An ADU on a property can help you qualify for the loan. With Fannie Mae, the loan must be a HomeReady mortgage. However, a June 2022 change from Freddie Mac stated that, in some cases, you may use rental income to help you qualify.

What does Fannie Mae consider an ADU? ›

What qualifies as an ADU? An ADU, commonly referred to as an accessory apartment or in-law suite, is a smaller additional living space on the same lot as a single-family home.

What is the $40,000 grant in California for ADU? ›

CalHFA created the ADU Grant Program to pay out the grant money to eligible homeowners. The grant provides up to $40,000 per homeowner to help offset some of the costs of the typical ADU project. Since the $40,000 is a grant, not a loan, homeowners never have to pay it back.

What is the cheapest option for an ADU? ›

Garage conversions are often touted as one of the most budget-friendly methods to create an Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU). These conversions involve repurposing an existing garage into a functional living space, offering several advantages, cost savings, and key tips for a successful transformation.

Can I use a 401k to build an ADU? ›

Retirement Accounts: Retirement accounts offer an unconventional yet potential source for ADU financing. Utilizing funds from 401(k)s, IRAs, or pensions could provide capital for construction.

What is the difference between a HomeStyle loan and a 203k loan? ›

Fannie Mae Homestyle vs.

FHA 203(k) allows homeowners to do some repairs. Fannie Mae Homestyle permits a wider range of renovations, including second homes and investment properties. The FHA 203(k) is limited to primary residences only. FHA 203(k) caps limited loans at $35,000 in renovations.

Does Freddie Mac allow ADU income? ›

Freddie Mac's ADU policies provide multiple options for adding an ADU to a home or financing a purchase with the intention to rent or build an ADU, including allowing the borrower to use rental income to qualify.

How close to my house can I build an ADU? ›

A detached ADU must be ten feet away from the main residence and five feet away from any property lines.

What type of loan is best for home addition? ›

One of the main advantages of using a home equity loan for a renovation is you typically get lower interest rates than with other types of financing because the loan is secured by your home. You can also potentially write off the interest at tax time — if the funds are all used for home improvement.

What is the difference between a HUD loan and a conventional loan? ›

FHA loans are backed by the Federal Housing Administration and offered by FHA-approved lenders. Unlike FHA loans, conventional loans are not insured or guaranteed by the government. Mortgage insurance is mandatory with FHA loans; you can avoid it on a conventional loan by putting down at least 20%.

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