THE MAKEOVER BLOG
Renovation stories, useful ideas, and perspectives to help you see what comes next.
Mortgage
There are three major advantages that make renovation loans so powerful for everyday buyers. First is simplicity. You get one loan that covers both the purchase price of the house and the cost of the renovations. Instead…
Read article : What Are the Biggest Advantages of a Renovation Loan?Mortgage
This is one of the most common questions from beginners, and the honest answer is that it takes longer than a regular home purchase, but it can move faster than many people expect. From the day you make an offer to the d…
Read article : How Long Does the Whole Process Usually Take?Mortgage
Limited 203k versus Standard 203k. Which one should you choose? There are two main types of FHA 203k loans and the right one depends on how much work your house needs. The Limited 203k is designed for smaller projects. I…
Read article : Limited 203k vs Standard 203k – Which One Should You Choose?Mortgage
What is the real difference between a 203k loan and a regular mortgage? A regular mortgage only finances the purchase price of a house that is already in good condition. Lenders want the home to meet minimum standards ri…
Read article : 203k vs Regular Mortgage – What’s the Real Difference? Side-by-side comparison so beginners understand why a normal mortgage won’t work for a fixer-upper.Mortgage
How does the 203k After-Repair Appraisal work? As-is value, future value, and what lenders are looking for. The appraisal on a 203k loan is different from a regular home purchase. It is actually two valuations in one rep…
Read article : How Does the 203k After-Repair Appraisal Work? As-is value, future value, and what lenders are looking for.Mortgage
How much cash do I really need at closing for a 203k? This is one of the most asked questions. And one where a lot of buyers get surprised. Here is the honest breakdown of the cash you will typically need to bring to the…
Read article : How Much Cash Do I Really Need at Closing for a 203k? Down payment, fees, reserves, and everything no one tells you.Mortgage
The first question every family must ask their 203k lender. What is the exact step-by-step order of operations? This is the single most important question you can ask at the very beginning. Most buyers never ask it. They…
Read article : First Question Every Family Must Ask Their 203k Lender What is the exact step-by-step order of operations?Mortgage
This is one of the fastest ways to turn an exciting renovation into a stressful nightmare. Many buyers pick a lender because they have good rates or they already have a relationship with them. But if that lender does not…
Read article : Using a Lender Who Doesn’t Know 203k Loans Can Destroy Your ProjectMortgage
This is a critical final step that many buyers overlook. Getting proper lien releases protects your ownership and keeps your title clear. A lien release or lien waiver is a legal document signed by the contractor and all…
Read article : Getting lien releases so your title is clean
