Homeownership in Chicago: FHA Mortgages and Condo Approval"
Chicago is renowned for its vibrant neighborhoods, diverse culture, and a plethora of housing options. The Chicago neighborhoods located in the Near North Side Community Area like Streeterville, River North, and Gold Coast are mostly condos and townhomes managed by homeowners' associations (HOAs), accounting for nearly 90% of the properties currently for sale. As the Chicago condo market continues to lead the nation, potential homebuyers wanting to purchase a home with a low down payment or less than perfect credit, understanding how FHA mortgages work, can be the key to unlocking homeownership in this desirable part of the Windy City.
FHA Mortgages - A Brief Overview
FHA, or the Federal Housing Administration, plays a crucial role in making homeownership accessible to a wider range of individuals and families. FHA mortgages are insured by the federal government, which allows lenders to offer more flexible terms and lower down payment requirements compared to conventional mortgages. This makes FHA loans an attractive option for first-time buyers and those with less-than-perfect credit scores.
FHA will approve a mortgage with a credit score as low as 580 and only require a 3.5% down payment
FHA Underwriting
FHA underwriting is the process by which lenders assess the creditworthiness of a borrower applying for an FHA-insured loan. Understanding FHA underwriting criteria is essential for potential buyers in the Chicago real estate market. Some key factors in FHA underwriting include credit score, debt-to-income ratio, and employment history. While FHA loans are more lenient in some areas, borrowers still need to meet certain financial criteria.
FHA-Approved Condos Explained: For those looking to buy a condo in Chicago or townhome in the Chicago area, it's essential to know what it means for a property to be FHA-approved. When a condo complex receives FHA approval, it signifies that the entire condominium project meets the FHA's guidelines for financing. This approval is not only beneficial for buyers but also for sellers, as it expands the pool of potential buyers who can secure FHA financing.
Benefits of FHA-Approved Condos:
Lower Down Payments: FHA-approved condos allow buyers to put down as little as 3.5% of the purchase price, making homeownership more attainable.
Competitive Interest Rates: FHA loans often offer competitive interest rates, which can save buyers money over the life of their mortgage.
Flexible Credit Requirements: FHA loans are more forgiving of credit issues, making them accessible to a broader range of buyers.
Attractive Investment Opportunity: For real estate investors, FHA-approved condos can be a lucrative option, as they appeal to a larger pool of renters.
Navigating HOAs in Condo Communities: When considering a condo or townhome in the Near North Side and popular Chicago Neighborhoods like Lincoln Park, Wicker Park, Bucktown, and Logan Square, it's vital to understand the role of homeowners' associations (HOAs). HOAs manage the common areas and amenities in condo complexes and enforce rules and regulations to maintain the community's quality of life. Buyers should thoroughly review HOA documents, fees, and regulations before purchasing a property.
Why Should An HOA Seek FHA Approval?
The majority of realtors, lenders, home builders, and community association professionals see FHA Certification as a valuable asset for a Condominium Association.
Those who oppose FHA approval may not always possess all the pertinent facts or may hold misconceptions about the individuals who utilize this form of financing.
The undeniable advantage of FHA project approval lies in its ability to make homes accessible to a broader spectrum of potential buyers. FHA loans also serve to:
Expand homeownership opportunities.
Assist first-time buyers.
Keep the number of rental properties in a community at a minimum.
Act as a third-party endorsement of the property.
FHA Condo Approval Guidelines for 2024
Basic Requirements:
Rentals vs. Owners: No more than 50% of the units can be investor-owned or rentals. As of October 26, 2016, there is an exception to this rule, allowing for a reduction in required owner occupancy to 35% (permitting up to 65% to be rentals) for condo complexes with at least 3 years of stable finances, low delinquency rates, and an up-to-date Reserve Study.
Commercial Space: No more than 50% of the property can be used for commercial purposes.
Delinquent Dues: No more than 15% of units can be delinquent in their HOA assessments for more than 60 days.
Single Investor Ownership: For properties with more than 20 units, no single investor, entity, or related party may own more than 10% of the units within the project. For properties with 20 units or less, no individual owner, entity, or related party may own more than one unit (new rule as of October 15, 2019).
FHA Concentration: The community must not have more than a 50% concentration of FHA Loans within its units.
Reserve Requirements:
Reserve funding requirement: At least 10% of all budgeted income must be allocated to a reserve account.
Adequate reserve funds are required, with eligibility determined based on the financial state of the HOA and maintenance components.
Insurance Requirements:
Master or Blanket Insurance: Must cover 100% of the replacement cost of the condominium, excluding the foundation and land.
General Liability Insurance: Must cover all common elements and public ways.
Fidelity Bond (Employee Dishonesty or Crime Insurance): Required for communities with 20 or more units, covering the Board of Directors and Employees handling association funds. It must equal three months' aggregate assessments of all units plus Reserves.
Flood Insurance: Only necessary if the property is located within a 100-year floodplain. If required, it must be 100% of the replacement cost issued by NFIP.
Leasing Restrictions: Acceptable Leasing:
Silent: No leasing restrictions in governing documents.
Leasing Caps: Limited rentals permitted in the community.
Board may require a copy of the lease.
All leases must be in writing.
Provide management or the Board with tenant information, including names and addresses.
A requirement that the lease conforms to the legal governing documents of the association.
Set minimum and/or maximum lease periods; the minimum must be 30 days OR state "no transient rentals."
Non-Acceptable Leasing Restrictions:
Require potential tenants to "meet" with the Board, unless it is strictly an orientation to the community and not mandatory.
Require unit owners to check the Registered Sex Offenders list before leasing to potential tenants.
Implement a community leasing ban, where at least one unit must be permitted to be leased at any given time.
Include a seasoning clause, mandating unit owners to own the condo for a specific period before leasing.
Demand Board/HOA approval of leases, unless it is specifically for monitoring rental numbers, and this is clearly stated in a legal instrument.
Allow accommodations typically associated with a hotel, such as maid or front desk services.
Have the power to void leases.
Require credit references or criminal background checks, which can be requested by the unit owner but not by the HOA.
Required Documents for FHA Condo Approval: Several documents are necessary for FHA Condo Approval. These documents are typically maintained and stored by the Board of Directors or Management Company. Private Association documents can only be obtained from the Board or Management Company.
Special Cases:
FHA Condo Approval Guidelines for 2-4 unit condo complexes: An alternative guideline known as a "Memorandum of Understanding" (MOU) is available for condos without shared expenses or financial reports. The MOU outlines unit owners' maintenance obligations and responsibilities and must be signed and recorded with the County by an in-state attorney.
FHA Condo Approval Guidelines for New Construction: New construction projects require pre-selling or having under contract at least 30% of the units in Phase 1 to gain FHA approval. Additional documentation is needed, including environmental reports, site photographs, and permits. The fee for new construction projects is $1,500, nonrefundable, with continued assistance until approval is obtained."
In Chicago, where condos and townhomes managed by HOAs are prevalent, understanding how FHA mortgages work, FHA underwriting, and the significance of FHA-approved condos can be the gateway to homeownership. FHA loans offer financial flexibility, lower down payments, and competitive interest rates, making them a valuable tool for prospective buyers in this bustling neighborhood. Additionally, being informed about HOAs and their role is crucial for a smooth and satisfying homeownership experience in this vibrant part of the city. With this knowledge in hand, individuals and families can confidently pursue their dream of calling Chicago home
