Wednesday, June 17, 2009

Qualify For A Low Income Home Repair Loan

There are various loan programs for the repair and renovation of homes for low income homeowners. These programs are provided by the federal, state and often local governments. These programs all have different eligibility requirements and the key is applying to a program for which you qualify. For example, the U.S. Department of Agriculture has a loan program for the repair of homes in rural areas for low income people.


Instructions


1. Explore the various programs available to you. A good place to start will be your city or county housing department. That office will be able to provide you with information on any state or local programs for which you may qualify as well as any federally funded programs specific to your area.


2. Check and make sure you meet the eligibility requirements. You need to look at what the lending criteria are for the programs you are considering and make sure you qualify before applying. For example, the Federal Housing Administration guarantees loans for moderate to low-income buyers for renovation purposes. You will need to contact an FHA-approved lender and meet the specific requirements of that bank. This may include a specific credit score and income-to-debt ratio.


3. Get all the required documentation in place. Each loan program has its documentation requirements needed in the application process. Make sure you get these ready in time for your application. For an FHA renovation loan you will need recent bank statements and pay stubs. For a USDA loan, you will need to contact a local service center to learn about the specific documents and to obtain an application.


4. Turn in your application. Complete your application for whatever loan program you have chosen and turn it in. If you are applying for an FHA loan this will be at the bank of your choice. Depending on the program for which you apply, the application process may be a lengthy one. Be patient and go through with the process.


5. Begin your renovation. Once you are approved you can then begin the process of drawing funds for repairing your home, doing so under the guidelines and stipulations of the particular loan program you are using.







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