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 with 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.

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

What type of loan is best for ADU? ›

Typically, the best way to finance an ADU is a RenoFi Renovation Home Equity Loan, as it factors in the value of a property after the ADU is built, greatly increasing the average homeowner's borrowing power.

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

You can get an ADU financed through a renovation, home equity, or construction loan. As a California resident you can also take advantage of CalHFA's $40,000 ADU grant. Learn more about ADU financing by reading our article.

Can you use a 203k loan to add 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.

Can you build an ADU with a homestyle loan? ›

Building an ADU without home equity is possible with both Fannie Mae's Homestyle Renovation Loan and Freddie Mac's ChoiceRenovation Loan. This is because you can appraise your property “subject to completion,” as if the ADU is already constructed.

Can you finance ADU in California? ›

Now for the fun part: financing. If you want to an ADU to your property but don't happen to be sitting on a bunch of cash, you're in luck. There are plenty of financing options available no matter your situation. Below are the most common types of financing for ADUs in California.

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 $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.

Is a HELOC a good idea for an ADU? ›

The borrower will only pay interest and payments to the bank if and when the HELOC is used. This structure provides the flexibility of only borrowing money and paying interest when payments to your ADU builder are due. The HELOC is a great way to build an ADU – if you have the equity in your home to draw from.

Can I use 401k to build ADU? ›

Utilizing funds from 401(k)s, IRAs, or pensions could provide capital for construction. However, this option may carry tax implications or impact long-term savings, requiring careful consideration before tapping into retirement savings for ADU funding. Be sure to consult with your tax professional before considering.

Which of the following is not allowed on a 203k loan? ›

Things that are not allowed under the California FHA 203(k) program are basic landscaping, “luxury” items like a swimming pool or something that will take more than six months to complete (once the work has started).

Can I refinance my ADU? ›

Second Mortgages

Instead of bundling them together, you can instead keep paying your old mortgage and simply pay a second (smaller) mortgage for the ADU. In this case, you can refinance just the ADU mortgage, just your home's mortgage, or both.

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.

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

The main difference between the two is that a Fannie Mae HomeStyle Loan is a conventional mortgage, while an FHA 203(k) loan is a government-backed option with more lenient qualifying requirements. Learn more about how your renovation goals, timeline, and financial status can help you determine which is best for you.

Does Fannie Mae allow for ADU income? ›

Using Rental Income From the ADU to Qualify

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.

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.

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

Key Takeaways. 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%.

Does Fannie Mae allow income from an ADU? ›

Borrowers purchasing or refinancing a home with an existing ADU who qualify for a HomeReady loan can include rental income to help them qualify for the loan.

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