(TheConservativeTimes.org) – Homes are a form of investment to most Americans, especially in terms of comfortable living space and a source of income. Neglecting your home’s repairs may not yield dividends and eventually become costly. However, if you properly maintain your house, it will be comfortable for you and your family or your future tenants.
Home repairs and renovations also raise the standards of neighborhoods and increase property value. Economically, house upgrades create employment opportunities and more markets for home products. Whether you want to add a new addition to your home, you should know federal resources you can use to repair or improve your home.
What Are the Federal Loan Programs Available for Home Repairs?
You can apply and use several home improvement loan programs to facilitate your home rehabilitation projects. These loan programs are the most common government funding for home improvement projects. Some programs are available nationwide, while others are only available in certain states or counties. Here are some of the programs.
Title I Property Improvement Loan Program
Under Title I loans, the US Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) insures lenders against losses they incur on loans that finance property improvements. This program aims to make it easier for consumers to finance their housing improvement projects by guaranteeing loans made by private lenders. As a result, HUD doesn’t lend money for property improvements but acts as an insurer.
The Title I program guarantees loans for light or moderate property repair and the development of nonresidential structures on the property. These loans are fixed-rate loans, meaning the lenders charge the market interest rates.
In addition, only lenders explicitly approved by HUD may provide you with Title 1 insured loans. Moreover, eligible borrowers include the property owner, a person leasing the property, or someone purchasing the property under a land installment contract. Finally, you must submit all applications to a Title I loan-approved lender to apply for the loan.
203(k) Rehabilitation Mortgage Insurance Program
The Federal Housing Administration’s (FHA) limited 203(k) program allows homeowners or buyers to finance up to $35,000 in repairs, improvements and upgrades into their mortgage. Homeowners and buyers can get funds quickly and easily pay for property repairs recognized by home inspectors or an FHA appraiser. They can also make repairs and upgrades to their property or prepare it for sale by improving the kitchen, painting or adding new items like wallpaper.
Home Improvement Loans for Native Americans
The Section 184 Indian Home Loan Guarantee is a home mortgage program created exclusively for American Indian and Alaska Native households, tribes, communities or designated housing units.
The Office of Loan Guarantee, a division of HUD’s Office of Native American Programs, guarantees Section 184 home mortgage loans. The borrower applies for Section 184 loans by working with a participating lender, the tribe and the Bureau of Indian Affairs if they’re leasing the property.
Disabled Veterans Housing Assistance
Veterans with specific-service connected or age-related impairments may be eligible for housing assistance. The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) can provide veterans with special housing grants such as Special Housing Adaptation (SHA). This grant can help them build adapted homes, install ramps or widen doors, and make other modifications to help them live comfortably.
What Are the Requirements for Home Assistance Repair Programs?
The requirements vary depending on the program you select. In general, it depends on the:
- Income level
- The homeowner’s age and other demographics
- The property’s location
- Type of property
How To Apply for Home Improvement Programs
Contact the federal, state and local government agencies in charge of these programs. However, traditional private lenders offer these loans, but government agencies insure them, making them easily accessible. As a result, these federal programs can help you improve or repair your home, making it comfortable and enhancing its value.
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