Posted on November 21, 2017 by Anthony Bird - Buying a Home, First Time Home Buyer, Mortgage Tips

What is a USDA Mortgage?

The USDA loan, or Rural Developmental loan, allows for homebuyers to purchase a home with a zero down payment. This is great for people that want to live in a rural area and get a loan that is truly zero down. Benefits of getting a USDA loan is that you may still qualify three years after the discharge date of your chapter 7 bankruptcy and three years after having a foreclosure. The USDA website lists the areas of Michigan that qualify for this loan by county. You can also type in the address on the USDA website to confirm address eligibility as well. Here is the link- https://eligibility.sc.egov.usda.gov/eligibility/welcomeAction.do

What if the House has Repair Issues?

Depending on the issue, Riverbank Finance may be able to help you by using the USDA Mortgage Repair Escrow program. This program allows for the cost of the home to be combined with the cost of the repairs. The cost of the repairs cannot go above 10 percent of the final loan price. The term for a purchase or rate/term refinance using this loan is 30 year fixed. The repairs are required to start within 30 days from the closing date and end within 180 days of closing. Additionally, those interested in this program cannot use a contractor for the repairs with whom they have a conflict of interest with (i.e. family members or friends).

What are the minimum requirements to qualify for the USDA Loan Repair Escrow Program?

In order to qualify for the USDA Repair Escrow Program you must meet some requirements.

USDA Repair Escrow ProgramThe requirements include:

A credit score of 620 or higher (at least 2 credit scores must be provided)
Must obtain an Accept/Eligible or Refer/Eligible recommendation from GUS
10% of purchase price
Get a bid from a licensed contractor for the work to be done.
Standard USDA guidelines still apply.

Eligible Property Types:

1 unit single family residences (no multi-unit properties)
Condominiums – HUD/FHA, VA, Fannie Mae, or Freddie Mac must approve or accept
New Manufactured Homes only – singlewide or multi-wide
Existing manufactured homes must follow guidelines that meet the Existing Manufactured Housing Unit Pilot Program
Planned Unit Developments

Is there a Limit for the Amount of USDA Repair Escrow?

Yes, the limit for the amount of USDA Repair Escrow is 10 percent of the final loan price. This amount includes the cost of the repairs, reserve costs (1.5 times the cost of the repairs), 2 inspection fees ($165 each), and if required, the costs of permits.

What repairs can be done with the USDA Repair Escrow?

Carpet / Flooring
Paint
Repairs can be cosmetic
Or functional like installing a new water heater or buying a stove for the home

What repairs are ineligible for USDA Loan Repair Escrow?

Roof repairs
Foundation/structural repairs – the structure of the building may not be disturbed by the repairs
Electric repairs
Plumbing repairs

If this looks like the loan for you, please give our trusted loan officers at Riverbank Finance a call at 1-800-555-2098 or apply on our website today!

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