Yes, unfortunately it is normal. These clowns have made the rest of the mortgage professional world look bad. I am golden about following up, unfortunately again, we do not do the 203K's, jsut teh 203b's. I would tell you to contact Tara Tsoropolis at 404-435-1035 or Melisa Cox at 678-602-6579.
Maybe one of these gals I've known for years and are extremely competent can help. Sorry this is a late answer, but I jsut got my profile on here. I didn't think that I had acess.
Good luck.

Hey Josh,
The process is slow and frustrating when deal in those types loans. There are many times that the banks just drag their butts in the Short Sale and 203K arena. Sometimes we don't get approval until the day of closing. Where the normal closing can be done in roughly 30 days you should allow 45 to 60 and in some cases up to 90 days to get it done. Hang in there.

Its time to fire your lender and find one that wants your business. If you are workng with a Realtor he or she is your best resource of referrals. If I send a client to a lender and they drop the ball I am in danger of losing a client. Therefore I use only only people that I can count on. Staying in touch is a given.
If you are working without a Realtor then trial and error is bout all you can expect.
Thanks
http://ralphandtricia.com

Josh
I would talk with a Realtor in the area (I assume that you have one representing your interests) and them for a referral. If you are approved by one lender, chances are you will have no problem finding another one. Not all lenders are created equal. A lender that is FHA approved should not be hard to locate.

Josh,

If you have a realtor then their recommended loan officer would be calling you back. You should have one go-to realtor, and that realtor should have a network of folks to be able to help you out.

If you're just calling around, the market is too hot right now for folks that just want information. If you are committed to me, I'm committed to you! That might be what's happening.

Since banks are not answering your calls have you considered a mortgage broker? I have one on my team and his assistance has been invaluable especially when it comes to potential 203K financing. From what I have read (and I may be wrong in my memory) I think Wells Fargo Bank is the one that tends to do more 203K FHA financing.

I would also consider a 203K Consultant. Prior to the placing the offer on the property that I was going to do a 203K financing, He did a 1 hour 'walk through' inspection with me for a cost of $200. It helped me formulate an appropriate bid and supporting documentation for that bid as well as provided me a lot of tips when I was out investigating other properties. Unfortunately, the owners (a non-bank seller) did not want to entertain a 'low ball' bid.

Tim

You are golden! Here is FHA's approved list of repairs under the 203k Streamline:

1. Repair/Replacement of roofs, gutters and downspouts
2. Repair/Replacement/upgrade of existing HVAC systems
3. Repair/Replacement/upgrade of plumbing and electrical systems
4. Repair/Replacement of flooring
5. Minor remodeling, such as kitchens, which does not involve structural repairs
6. Painting, both exterior and interior
7. Weatherization, including storm windows and doors, insulation, weather stripping, etc.
8. Purchase and installation of appliances, including free-standing ranges, refrigerators, washers/dryers, dishwashers and microwave ovens
9. Accessibility improvements for persons with disabilities
10. Lead-based paint stabilization or abatement of lead-based paint hazards
11. Repair/replace/add exterior decks, patios, porches
12. Basement finishing and remodeling, which does not involve structural repairs
13. Basement waterproofing
14. Window and door replacements and exterior wall re-siding
15. Septic system and/or well repair or replacement

The property has a roof that will need to be replaced in the next year or two. The siding arount the chimney has some issues (like almost falling off). The inside is good no water marks in ceiling all flooring good and the kitchen, baths are fine. HVAC is old but looks functional. I figured a new roof $6,000, siding around chimney $1,000 and HVAC if needed $6-8000.

Josh,

What's up big daddy? Considering the times, wouldn't you think Lenders, Agents and the like would be on top of their customer service game? Everyone is not created equal... but don't fret there are some good ones out there, you just have to find them. I feel your pain... I called the Mortgage Broker (with a very reputable National Lender) that I used when I bought my most recent home in an attempt to do a Loan Modification to lower my rate. After 5 phone messages and 2 emails I gave up... rates jumped the next week!

Anyway, enough whining on my part. Here is the scoop... With a FHA 203k Streamline, FHA will not allow the mortgagor (you) to be out of the home for more than 30 days during the rehabilitation work. Likewise, they have an approved list of repairs that are allowed to be made to the home... if most of the rehab is cosmetic work, you are golden... if the home requires structural work, room additions, landscaping, etc. you are not...

We are full-time professional real estate agents, and I happen to be a former home builder... if you need an agent that will give you 100% unbiased information then we should talk... If you check out my website, you will notice that I have a complete list of home improvement contractors (every possible trade) that are professionals, that don't come with a professional price tag... We also have 3 full-time Mortgage Lenders that work out of our office... in other words, we can pin them down in person and wear them out with questions! Just let me know if I can be of service!

I wish I was a first time home buyer again... it is an amazing time to be buying!!!

It is not normal they do not return your call or e-mail. If you want, I will be able to answer any question you might have and to guide thorughtout the process of buying your next home. Just give me a call or an e-mail and you will see the way I do treat my clients. Just give me a chance. Also, If you use twitter, please follow me at http://www.twitter.com/franciscotovar or go to my site at http://www.gahomesfinder.com
My cell# 404-447-8694
Thanks for reading my answer and I look forward to help you