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FHA 203k Loan in Citrus County, Florida

There are many reasons why Citrus County is a great place to live. The warm climate is perfect for those who enjoy spending time outdoors, and the natural scenery is breathtaking. The people here are friendly and welcoming, and there is always something to do. Citrus County is worth considering whether you're looking for a place to retire, raise a family, or escape the hustle and bustle of city life.

The cost of owning an average home in Citrus county is considered low at $186k, which is lower than the national average. If you consider purchasing a home in Citrus County, Florida, you may be eligible for an FHA 203k loan. This type of loan allows you to finance the purchase of a home and the cost of any necessary repairs or renovations.


What is the FHA 203k Loan?

The FHA 203k loan is a government-backed loan that provides funds for both the purchase of a home and the renovation of that home. This loan is available to buyers in Citrus County, Florida, who want to purchase a home that needs work.

The benefits of this loan include the ability to finance both the purchase price and the renovation costs of the home and the potential for a lower interest rate. This loan can be an excellent option for buyers looking for a fixer-upper in Citrus County.

The FHA 203k loan program is administered by the Federal Housing Administration (FHA), a government agency insures loans made by private lenders. The FHA 203k loan program is designed to help borrowers purchase and renovate homes that need repairs or updating.

If you are interested in learning more about the FHA 203k loan program, please read on...


FHA 203k Loan Interest Rates

The interest rate on the FHA 203k loan program is determined by your credit score, the required down payment, and other factors, such as your income and credit history.

The FHA 203k loan interest rate is determined by the lender and typically ranges from 3.8% to 6.5%. The higher the interest rate, the more you will have to pay monthly.


Borrowing Limits

The maximum amount you can borrow under FHA 203k limits is $484,850 in Citrus County. This is the maximum amount you can borrow over a lifetime, and it is not unexpected that most buyers will have to consider other financing options to purchase their dream home.


Home Improvement Limits

The maximum amount that can be used for home improvements is $35,000. The FHA 203k loan limits are set at $35,000 to consider the different stages of construction and remodeling.

If you exceed this amount, you will have to pay for the excess upfront or get a conventional mortgage loan with a larger down payment and pay it off over time.


Borrower Eligibility

If you are a first-time homebuyer in Citrus County, you can qualify for this FHA 203k loan. You will need to have a credit score of 580 or higher and prove that your income is sufficient to afford the loan payment. You will also need financial documentation and proof of your citizenship to apply for the loan.


Types of FHA 203(k) Loans

There are different kinds of FHA 203(k) loans to choose from, depending on the type of property you want to purchase. In Citrus County, Florida, people may be able to purchase a home with a low down payment as well as benefit from the low-interest rates.

Here are the two main types of FHA 203k loans:


Streamlined 203k Loan

If you are planning to purchase a home that needs significant repairs, you may be able to benefit from the streamlined FHA 203k loan.

The loan offers a quicker turnaround time, unlike the standard option. This type of loan is also referred to as the "expedited" loan and can be used for homes that need repairs.


Standard 203k Rehab Loan

The 203k Standard Rehab Loan is a mortgage that allows you to finance the purchase or refinance of a home and the cost of its rehabilitation in a single loan.

This can be an attractive option for borrowers looking to purchase a fixer-upper or those who want to refinance an existing home and make improvements.

Though the loan process can be complex, the result can be a more affordable, energy-efficient, and stylish home.


FHA 203k Loan Requirements in Citrus County, Florida

The FHA 203k loan program requires borrowers to meet a few basic requirements to qualify for this loan. These requirements include:


Down Payment Requirement

The down payment on the FHA 203k loan program is a minimum of 3.5% of the purchase price, which must be satisfied before closing the home.

For example, if you purchase a home for $200,000, you would need to come up with at least $15,000 as a down payment. If your credit score is above 580, you could manage to qualify for an FHA 203k loan with a smaller down payment.

The down payment guarantees the lender that you have sufficient income and will not default on the loan repayments.


Credit Score Requirement

Your credit score will determine your interest rate, which also affects how much you will have to pay each month. The minimum credit score required for the FHA 203k home loan is 580, but you will likely be able to qualify for a lower rate if your credit score is above this number.

If you have a low credit score between 500 and 579, you may still qualify for the FHA 203k loan, but you will need to make a down payment of 10% of the purchase price.


Debt-to-Income Requirements

Your income must be sufficient enough to afford the payments on your loan. Your lender will consider your annual gross income, any other debts you may carry, and other factors in determining how much you can borrow.

The minimum debt-to-income ratio you must meet for the FHA 203k loan is 43%. This means that the total of your monthly debts cannot exceed 43% of your gross monthly income.


Occupancy

To qualify for the FHA 203k loan, you must have intention of living in the property as your primary residence. You are not allowed to use the loan for investment purposes.


Citizenship

You must also have United States citizenship to qualify for the FHA 203k loan. You can also be eligible if you have permanent residency in the U.S. as long as you can legally work and be employed by an employer in this country.


Mortgage Insurance

The Federal Housing Administration (FHA) requires the borrower to pay mortgage insurance, which is a fee that protects lenders in case of foreclosure. The PMI of the loan is set at a rate of 1.75% and is payable upfront. This is an essential feature of the FHA 203k loan program.


Painter holding model house and home renovation


FHA 203k Loan Application in Citrus County, Florida

To apply for the FHA 203k loan, you will need to fill out an application. You will also be asked to provide information about the home you are interested in buying and any renovations you plan to undertake. You will also need to provide documentation confirming your income and any other debts you may have.

Here's how it works:

  • Find a lender - find an approved lender in Citrus County, Florida, who is experienced in working with FHA loans. They will work with you to find a home that needs work and get you accepted for your loan. They will also help you find a home inspector who will inspect the property to ensure it is in good condition and provide you with a report on the cost of repairs.

  • Apply for your loan - The lender will help you get a loan and facilitate the entire process. You will fill out an application and provide the inspector's report to get all required documentation for the loan to be approved.

  • Find a property - locate a home that needs work and have your lender refer you to an inspector. When the property is inspected, the lender will create a report for you and a cost estimate for any repairs needed.

  • Choose a contractor - Locate and speak with a contractor with experience working with FHA loans. They will look at the report and send you a proposal based on their estimates to inform you if it is in your best interest to do the repairs yourself, find another contractor, or have someone else do the work.

  • Close the loan - Once you have found the right contractor, you will give them all the necessary financial documents and apply for approval.

  • Begin repairs - Once your lender has approved your loan, you will be able to make the necessary repairs to the house. Get a list of everything that needs to be done for the property to meet the FHA standards.

  • Move in - The FHA 203k home loan only requires that your property is in good condition, so you can move into your new home as soon as possible.

FHA 203k Loan Eligible Projects

The FHA 203k loan program is designed to help you purchase and renovate homes that need repairs or updating. Under the FHA 203k rules, you will be allowed to repair your property with the help of a professional, but this must be for cosmetic work only.

  • Renovation work includes things like:
  • Replacing old wiring
  • Adding new energy-efficient appliances
  • Replacing doors, windows, floors, and walls
  • Replacing faulty water heaters
  • Hardwood flooring
  • Roofing
  • Repairing broken pipes and drains
  • Repairing foundations and outbuildings
  • Repairing water damage
  • Waterproofing the basement or crawl space
  • Fixing faulty plumbing and piping in the home

Pros and Cons of an FHA 203k Loan in Citrus County, Florida

The FHA 203k Loan is a home improvement loan that allows you to finance the cost of repairs and improvements into your mortgage. This can be a great way to make much-needed repairs or improvements to your home without having to come up with the money yourself.


Pros

  • Offers funds for renovation - The FHA 203k loan is an excellent way to help you buy a home that needs repairs or improvements.

  • Low down payment - To qualify for the FHA 203k loan, you only need a credit score of 580 or higher.

  • Modified terms - The FHA 203k loan will allow you to use the loan for renovation work and construction.

  • Cheap - The FHA 203k loan allows you to borrow a maximum of $35,000 with no interest paid upfront.

  • Tax benefits - The FHA 203k loan allows you to receive a tax deduction on the cost of many of the services you perform on your home.

Cons

  • Must do repairs yourself - You only have permission to perform minor renovations and can't add to the home or have it appraised for sale.

  • High monthly payments - This type of loan requires a large monthly mortgage payment, which may be difficult to pay if your income is low.

  • Mortgage insurance(PMI) - You must pay monthly mortgage insurance (PMI) fee on this type of loan, which is an upfront cost.

Top 5 Desserts in Citrus County, Florida

Citrus County is a great place to live, work, and raise a family. With its affordable housing, good schools, and strong community spirit, it's no wonder that Citrus County is one of the fastest-growing counties in Florida.

With Citrus County's extensive selection of restaurants, it can be hard to decide where to go for dessert. To help narrow things down, here is a list of the top 5 desserts in the county. From key lime pie to chocolate mousse, there's something for everyone:


Mud Pie

Florida is famous for its limes, and this dessert takes full advantage of the citrus fruit's unique flavor. The Mud Pie is a local favorite in Citrus County that can be found at the Citrus City Cafe.

The dessert is made from a chocolate crust with milk chocolate pudding and whipped chocolate ganache. It's topped with toffee and cream or chocolate-chocolate-chip cookie crust, making it a truly decadent treat for any local foodie.


Key Lime Pie

No Florida trip would be complete without sampling some key lime pie. The filling contains critical lime juice, condensed milk, and egg yolks.

It's then topped with whipped cream and meringue before being baked to perfection. It's the perfect summertime treat for anyone looking for a sweet ending to a delicious meal.


Coconut Pudding

Citrus County is home to some of the giant coconut trees in the world, making it a natural choice for coconut pudding. This unique dessert combines cream and coconut flavoring to create a creamy treat that will leave you feeling like you're on vacation, even in your kitchen.


Snickers Cheesecake

Snickers cheesecake is a fun twist on the usual cheesecake. Instead of using chocolate, the creamy cheesecake is filled with peanuts, caramel, and chocolate chips and finished with a layer of chocolate sauce and caramel sauce. The creamy dessert tastes like Snickers candy bars, even down to the caramel's peanut-butter taste.


Southern Red Velvet Cake

The Red Velvet Cake, also known as Yellow Cake, has a rich chocolate flavor, topped with cream cheese frosting and red food coloring. The cake's texture is soft and moist, but the flavor is smooth and sweet.

Although the type of red velvet cake is usually made with cream cheese frosting, this version substitutes the creamy dessert for a light chocolate chip and cream cheese filling.


Need to Repair a Fixer Upper Home in Citrus County, Florida? The FHA 203k Loan has you Covered!

Citrus County is located in the heart of Florida and is a great place to live, work, and raise a family. Its central location, warm climate, friendly people as well as a variety of recreational activities makes it an ideal place to live. The county is home to various businesses, including agriculture, manufacturing, tourism, and healthcare.

If you are short on cash and need to purchase a fixer-upper, the FHA 203k Loan can help. The FHA 203k Loan is an excellent way to pursue renovation work on your fixer-upper and complete construction work on your home.

If you are interested in purchasing a home that needs repair and renovation, then the FHA 203k loan program may be your loan option. Just find an FHA-approved lender in the Citrus County, Florida to get started!

With over 50 years of mortgage industry experience, we are here to help you achieve the American dream of owning a home. We strive to provide the best education before, during, and after you buy a home. Our advice is based on experience with Phil Ganz and Team closing over One billion dollars and helping countless families.

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