Consumers Digest

Home Improvement Loan?

My husband and I own a home that we bought for $26500. It was completely gutted. My husband completely fixed it up, but it still needs alot of cosmetic work -new drywall, trim, paint, some carpeting. We want to re-finance but it is in no shape for an appraiser to come out and look at it. We re-financed it last year, and it was appraised at $55,000. Our loan on it now is $35,000. We don't know anything about rehab loans or home improvement loans, so we don't know where to begin. Doesn't the home have to be appraised again? Our upstairs is opened up, it was an attic, and we don't have any drywall up. It is basically an attic with a stairway access. Could this be a problem in getting the loan? Oh, and we have new siding that needs to be put on, but we can't afford the soffit and fascia to finish it - e.g. home improvement loan. Our credit score is Fair, if that is in question....

Public Comments

1. Yes, you have to appraise your house again. And yes, credit will be a factor. I would have an inspection of the home, because it would put much more confidence in the lender. That is really what matters: weather or not the lender feels that they are not putting their investment through a shredder. I do not see you having much trouble getting the loan you might need... I would still seek professional advice, since you never know who is giving you tips on the internet.