USDA Loan PlusUSDA 504 Loan Repair Requirements for 2022
Are you elible for a USDA 504 repair loan?
USDA
504 loans and grants enable very low-income homeowners to address
health and safety problems in their homes.
I admit that the loan/grant program is a little confusing. In a
nutshell, this is how the Section 504 program operates.
To begin, the grant/loan repair program is
exclusively accessible to very low-income applicants aged 62 or
older. At least one borrower must be above the age of 62.
A very low income borrower is defined as one who earns less than 50%
of the region median income.
Low income borrowers are a step up from very low income
borrowers. The term "low income" refers to income that is between
50% and 80% of the area median income.
Borrowers characterized as low income are not eligible for the loan
or grant program.
Repair loans of up to $20,000 are available,
while grants of up to $7,500 are also available.
The USDA decides if the borrower(s) is financially capable of
repaying the loan; and if the borrower is financially capable of
repaying the loan, the USDA calculates the monthly payment.
If the USDA determines that the applicant is in capable of repaying
a loan, the USDA provides a grant.
Keep in mind that there are two options, loan and grant.
What can the Section 504 loan funds be used for?
504 loan funds may be used to renovate, repair or update an existing
structure, to make it decent, safe, and hygienic, and/or to
eliminate health and safety problems.
Section 504 grant monies may be used exclusively to repair or
enhance health and safety risks, or to repair or rebuild residences
to make them accessible and usable for household members with
disabilities.
Are there income limits with the USDA 504 loan?
The adjusted gross income during the time of loan/grant approval and
at the loan closing, should never exceed the limit for very
low-income home buyers. Low-income applicants are not permitted to
receive Section 504 assistance.
If a budget analysis, using Form RD 1944-3, indicates that a grant
applicant has the capacity to make a partial payment, the maximum
amount of the loan amount should be issued as a loan, with just the
remainder issued as a grant.
Credit Requirements
Applicants who are solely receiving grant assistance are not
required to submit a credit history analysis.
To qualify for the section 504 loan, applicants must have a credit history that
demonstrates a reasonable desire and capacity to repay debt.
Applicants having a credit score of 620 or above are exempt from
completing Form RD 1944-61 (Credit History Worksheet) or undergoing
further examination.
These candidates are judged to have a credit history that is
acceptable.
Borrower(s) who have a pending judgment against them in a Federal
court, other than the United States Tax Court, are ineligible for a
Section 504 grant or loan.
Asset Requirements
Only assets that can be converted to cash in 90 days or less are included in the calculation of non-retirement assets, asset requirements are the same to those required by Section 502, with the exception that that non-retirement assets greater than $15,000 (or $20,000 for an elderly household) are required to be used to lower the Section 504 request.
Restricted use of 504 funds
Section 504 grant funds or loan may not be used to or for:
- Acquisition or construction of new buildings
- Consolidate debt
- Off-site upgrades (i.e. sewer line) are ineligible
- Preparation of the site or landscaping
- Purchase and installation of appliances
Section 504 Eligibility Qualifications
Homeowners
must have a very low income (less than 50% of the area median
income) and be unable to get credit at a reasonable interest rate.
Repairs and improvements must improve the sanitary and safety
conditions of the residence and/or remove safety and health issues.
One of the borrower(s) must be at least 62 years of age or older.
Grants are available to homeowners aged 62 or older who are unable
to repay a Section 504 loan.
Terms
Grants of up to $7,500 and loans of up to $20,000 are available to
qualified candidates.
Loans with a 1% interest rate are available for up to 20 years. (If
the loan amount is less than the applicant's maximum repayment
ability, the term of the loan will be reduced.)
If the applicant is financially capable of repaying a part of the
cost, a loan/grant combination will be offered.
Loan and grant combinations must be amortized over the entire 20
years to maximize the loan amount while minimizing the grant amount.
Maximum loan amount based on eligible costs:
The applicant may only obtain a grant/loan money to cover allowable costs. For example, if the eligible repairs total $5,000, the loan/grant allowed would be $5,000. Cash back at settlement is prohibited.
Property requirements and restrictions
- An in ground pool is prohibited
- The dwelling must not have a value in excess of the typical area loan limit.
- The homes must be deemed modest.
Mobile or manufactured homes:
Additionally, Section 504 loan and grant monies may be utilized to
rehabilitate mobile or prefabricated houses provided the following
conditions are met:
Prior to completing an application, the borrower must own the mobile
home or manufactured home, as well as the property on which the
dwelling is situated and is inhabited.
The modifications are necessary to eliminate health or safety problems, and the residence is permanently supported under Section 504.
Rehabilitation Standards
Homes that have been repaired must preserve a modest look, and any
further work must comply to applicable municipal codes and
standards.
Rural Housing Service guidelines should be met for water sewage and
supply disposal systems.
Significant safety and health issues must be addressed.
Not all existing risks must be eradicated, as long as the property
does not continue to pose significant health or safety dangers after
the completion of the proposed repairs.
Lien Security
Loans greater than $7,500 must be secured by a mortgage on the
property.
Section 504 grant money does not need any security, however, the
grantee (borrower) must sign Form 3550-24 Grant Agreement, which
stipulates that grant funds must be repaid in full if the property
is sold within three years and are subject to recapture.
Approval Time Line
Typically, Rural Development will make a decision on the application
within 30 to 60 days after receipt.
Whenever possible, approvals are conditional on the availability of
funding.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G4IO1mxv1Zc
https://www.rd.usda.gov/files/3550-1chapter12.pdf
Conclusion
In conclusion, the USDA 504 repair requirements for 2022 are important to be aware of if you are planning to go through with a renovation project. Meeting these requirements will help ensure that you receive the full benefits of the loan.