THE MAKEOVER BLOG
Renovation stories, useful ideas, and perspectives to help you see what comes next.
General
Change orders are one of the most common reasons 203k projects go over budget. Here is exactly how to handle them the smart way. First. What is a change order? A change order is a formal request to add. Remove. Or modify…
Read article : 203k's - Handling change orders without blowing the budgetGeneral
One of the most confusing parts of the 203k process for many buyers is the HUD consultant. Let’s clear it up so you know exactly who they are and why they matter. A HUD consultant is an FHA-approved professional. They ac…
Read article : 203k's - Why you must include a contingency reserveConsulting
If you are doing a Standard 203k loan, you will hear the term “Work Write-Up” a lot. Let’s break down exactly what it is and why it matters. The Work Write-Up is simply a detailed list of every single repair and improvem…
Read article : The Work Write-Up explained in plain EnglishGeneral
What repairs CAN and CANNOT be financed with a 203k loan. The surprising exclusions. Knowing exactly what is allowed helps you plan accurately and avoid frustration later. Here is what you CAN finance: Structural repairs…
Read article : What repairs CAN and CANNOT be financed with a 203k loan. The surprising exclusions.General
One of the biggest mistakes 203k buyers make is creating a plan that looks good on paper but does not work for real life with kids, work, and daily routines. Here is how to build a plan and budget that actually fits your…
Read article : Creating a realistic plan and budget that fits family lifeGeneral
Most buyers think they only need a lender, contractor, and HUD consultant. But there are several other important team members that make the process much smoother. First. A 203k-experienced real estate agent. A regular ag…
Read article : Other team members you didn’t know you’d needContracting
This is often one of the hardest parts of a 203k project. Most contractors have never done one before. Finding the right ones makes a huge difference. Here is how to find qualified 203k-experienced contractors. Start by…
Read article : Finding qualified contractors who actually understand 203kConsulting
The HUD consultant is one of the most important people on your Standard 203k team. A great one makes the process smooth. A bad one can cause serious delays and extra costs. Here is how to find and choose the right consul…
Read article : How to find and vet a great (vs. terrible) consultantRealty
203k offers can scare sellers because they take longer to close. Here is exactly how to make your offer strong and competitive while using a 203k loan. First. Get fully prepared before you make the offer. Have your exper…
Read article : Making strong offers on 203k homes without losing the deal
