What is CHOICEReno eXPress®?
CHOICEReno eXPress is a single-close loan that enables borrowers to purchase a home that needs smaller-scale repairs, or refinance their existing home and include the necessary funds for small-scale cosmetic repairs in the loan balance.
Freddie Mac CHOICEReno eXPress® Loan Basics
- Minimum FICO of 620
- Advantageous for borrowers who wish to purchase a home, or refinance an existing mortgage, and to complete small scale home improvement projects.
- Does not require borrower to obtain interim construction financing
- No minimum dollar amount for repairs
- Repairs up to $35,000
- Allows renovations purchased from a home improvement store
- Repairs or improvements must be permanently affixed to the real property and must be non-structural
- All renovations are completed within 5 months or 150 days of the note date
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Eligible property types:
- 1-4 Unit Primary Residences
- 1-Unit Second Homes
- Approved Condos
- PUDs
- Multi-width Manufactured Homes, including CHOICEHome
- 1-Unit Investment properties are permitted
Buying a Home with a CHOICEReno eXPresss® Loan
By providing financing for repairs and improvements, this program can create home buying opportunities. It can be hard for house hunters to find a property that has everything they are looking for. Perhaps a home is too small, the chopped up floor plan is unappealing, or the dated kitchen just doesn’t suit today’s buyers.
Other Programs to Explore
If a CHOICEReno eXPress® loan is not an ideal fit for a particular scenario here are a few other products to explore:
- Cover purchase and repairs or refinance the rehabilitation of an existing home: FHA 203(k) Renovation Loan
- To finance projects on a HUD home that requires minimal or cosmetic repairs: FHA 203(b) Standard Loan with FHA Repair Escrow
- For military and veteran borrowers looking to finance minor updates at a cost under $35,000: VA Renovation Loan
