BEST ANSWER
There are actually 3 different loans that may be able to help you in this situation.
First, a Rural Development loan will finance repairs if the home that is to be purchased appraises high enough to support the repair cost and the purchase price. This is a great loan because you can still actually do 100% financing.
2nd FHA 203K. A 203k streamline will finance up to $35,000 in repairs and other fees. A regular 203k loan will go above the $35,000 in repairs and your payments for part of the loan can also be financed in while you are not able to live in the property. These loans are a lot of work and there are very few loan officers who truely know how to do them.
3rd, Fannie Mae has a rehab product. This is an conventional loan and you would be required to put 10% down, but the rehab costs can be financed into the loan.
Credit score requirements for Rural Development and FHA are between 580 and 660 depending on bank. No reserves neccesary. Fannie Mae program is 680 credit score and above and some reserves may be neccessary.
I hope this information helps. If you need more assistance, please feel free to contact me.
Mon Sep 28 2009, 14:46