No matter the age and condition of your home, you may find needs to renovate. It may be necessary to replace old kitchen tiling and countertops, for example. Or, you may wish to build an in-law suite to easily expand your living space. As life goes on, routine repairs may need to be made.
These repairs, while needed, can become expensive. Outside financial help can be required to complete these home improvement projects. Here is a basic guide to funding home renovations through FHA Title I loans.
Calling into question the no-equity problem
Many will search for home equity loans when it’s time to start home renovations. These loans require your home to have built up some form of equity. Unlike a home equity loan, FHA Title I loans do not require equity.
This may include individuals who owe more on their mortgage than what it’s currently worth. This form of FHA loan can grant up to $25,000, regardless of home equity.
Requirements for a FHA Title I loan
These loans can be acquired through banks and other financial establishments. They have to be certified HUD-approved lenders for Title I loans. However, it’s important to note the Federal Housing Administration doesn’t directly establish these loans. This means loan closing costs and fees differ by each lender.
Home collateral is used to secure a loan amount of over $7,500. The maximum loan amount correlates to the increase in home value once the project is complete.
Applying for a Title I loan
When applying for a FHA home improvement loan, your lender will run a credit check. They may also require copies of W-2s, pay stubs and other financial documents. Once approved for the loan, you will have monthly payments just like a traditional mortgage.
There are many pros to utilizing a FHA Title I loan, including fixed interest rates and relaxed requirements for qualification. If you’re interested in embarking on your next home improvement project, consider a FHA Title I loan for financial assistance.
About the Author
Kyung Kim
Hi, I'm Kyung Kim. I immigrated from South Korea to the United States in 1968 when I was 7 years old. I have seen my mom struggle with the English language and work hard to raise her four kids by herself. Still to this day, I don't know how she pulled it off, but she bought her first home in 1979 for $70,000 and because of that decision, she was able to live without worrying about her financial future. I want that for everyone, to feel the pride of home ownership and to build their financial wealth using real estate as part of their financial portfolio. I feel so blessed to play a small role in helping others reach this goal.
I live in Beaverton with my husband, Richard. My mom, who lived with us for several years, passed away in our home in February 2022. Her first home purchase in 1979 made it possible for her to live to the very end, without worrying about her finances. As of August 2022 with a little downpayment assistance, our four children own their own homes. Being in real estate, I quickly realized that if they didn't buy now, they may be priced out of the market in the future. Whether that would have been the case, we will never know, but what we do know is that they are all realizing some good, healthy appreciation in their home values.
As passionate as I am about people owning their homes, I'm also passionate about giving back to our community. I support Compassion First, a non-profit organization that provides aftercare for sex trafficked girls in Indonesia. My husband and I also feel called to financially support social injustice organizations.
I'd love to assist you. Whether you're in the research phase at the beginning of your real estate search or you know exactly what you're looking for, you'll benefit from having a real estate professional by your side. I'd be honored to put my real estate experience to work for you.
