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Owner occupied loan when tragedy happens
Question: In the middle of approving someone to purchase property , which was going to be investment loan. Their home catches on fire total loss. Their home was paid for, they are now residing in hotel. Rental well we know terrible. So my thinking buy something so have a place to put head. what investors would allow to purchase home being owner occupied. While they have property in name. They will be residing in home, after renovations to be done. Don’t even have a home in mind. But I may know of one that they could purchase, and live in for a year or so. Until they decide what they will do.
To me I don’t think issue, have proof that they will have to reside in home.
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1 Reply
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In a situation where a property has been lost through fire and the owner intends to purchase another one on temporary basis while his investment is being renovated, there are several steps that need to be followed. Here is an organized way of dealing with this issue.
Steps and Considerations
Switching from an Investment Loan to an Owner-Occupied Loan
Current Situation: The owner was approved for an investment loan but their main residence was destroyed by a fire.
New Objective: The aim is to buy a temporary home which requires them changing their current loan from being for investments into one that caters for owner occupiers.
Qualifying for an Owner-Occupied Loan
Proof of Residency Intent: A letter can be written to show intention of living in the new house as the primary residence. Fire evidence such as insurance reports or even hotel receipts may also work here since they can prove what’s happening at present. Additionally, staying temporarily within these premises indicates planning once renovations are finished.
Loan Types and Requirements:
FHA Loans: If someone needs financial flexibility then they should consider this option because it allows low down payments among other things like less strict credit requirements;
Conventional Loans: Based on one’s credit standing plus general financial positionality vis-a-vis borrowing power etcetera – conventional loans may still apply too.
Considerations for Lenders
Lender Flexibility: Some lenders might not be flexible enough when it comes to making such transitions so talk openly with various lenders about your situation;
Documentation: Make sure everything needed is ready over supporting why you need an owner occupied property instead of any other type; e.g., Insurance documentation around fire incident; Proof showing current temporary accommodation arrangement; Financial proofs demonstrating ability pay off new mortgage amongst others.
Potential Lenders and Programs
Traditional Banks and Credit Unions: One may find more leniency from traditional banks especially if they have had long-standing relationships with them;
FHA Loan Programs: If a person’s creditworthiness isn’t that good this can be another option since FHA loans demand for lower down payments alongside relaxed qualification criteria;
VA Loans: Veterans could also benefit through VA loaning systems which provide favorable terms for buying primary residences;
Specialized Lenders: Some lenders may have better offers due to their specialization in different types of loans hence consider consulting mortgage brokers who know such providers.
Consult with the Current Lender: Approach your lender and explain what happened then ask them whether it would still be possible to change from investment into owner-occupied given these circumstances.
Seek Pre-Approval for an Owner-Occupied Loan:
Go to lending institutions armed with all relevant papers about the case seeking pre-approval so as to switch financing type.
Evaluate Potential Properties: Look around for houses that can serve as temporary residence during this period when one is renovating his/her investment property.
Prepare for Transition: Be ready to move out of current temporary shelter into new home once everything has been finalized. Flexibility and clear communication with potential lenders are key given the unique circumstances. The homeowner may have to shift from an investment loan towards an owner-occupied loan by presenting comprehensive documentation while indicating intention of residing at new premises. A mortgage broker could also speed up the process and help secure better terms on the loan.