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Minnesota residents have several options for home renovation loans that can help make their dream projects a reality.
The Minnesota Housing Finance Agency (MHFA) offers several loan programs that can help with home renovations, including the HOME program, which provides financing for low-income homebuyers and homeowners.
Renovation costs can be significant, but with the right loan, homeowners can spread out the payments over time, making it more manageable.
Choosing a Home Renovation Loan
You'll want to consider the type of loan that's right for you. The Rehabilitation Loan Program and Emergency & Accessibility Loan Program (RLP/ELP) are great options for low-income homeowners who need to finance home improvements that affect safety, habitability, energy efficiency, or accessibility.
To be eligible for these programs, you'll need to work with a participating Rehab Loan Lender and meet program income limits. Additionally, your assets can't exceed $25,000 and you'll need to own and occupy the property to be rehabilitated.
You can use these loans for a variety of projects, such as correcting mandatory rehab problems like roofs and furnaces, or making your home more suitable for a family by adding bathrooms or accessibility modifications.
Here are the key requirements for these programs:
- Work with a participating Rehab Loan Lender
- Meet program income limits
- Not have assets exceeding $25,000
- Own and occupy the property to be rehabilitated
- Be current on property taxes and mortgages
Requirements
To qualify for a home renovation loan in MN, you'll need to meet certain requirements. These include income limits, which vary depending on the program, but some loans have no income limits at all.
For most programs, you'll need a minimum credit score to be eligible. It's also essential to note that you'll need to live in the home as the owner-occupant for the term of the loan.
Here are the key requirements to keep in mind:
- Income limits (some programs have no income limits)
- Minimum credit score
- Owner-occupancy requirement (you must live in the home for the term of the loan)
To determine which program is best for you, consider factors like your household income, the value of your home, and any mortgage debt.
Minnesota Home Renovation Loans
Minnesota Home Renovation Loans offer financing for a wide range of projects, including attached or detached garages, new energy-efficient replacement windows, and bathroom upgrades.
The Minnesota Fix-Up Fund, a state-wide program, provides loans at below-market interest rates to Minnesota homeowners for home improvement projects. The maximum loan amount is $75,000.
Here are some eligible projects for the Minnesota Fix-Up Fund: Attached or Detached GaragesNew energy efficient Replacement WindowsUpgrade an existing bathroomAdd a bathroomFinish an attic or basementInstall dormersBuild an additionBuild a new PorchInstall new Vinyl, James Hardi or LP SmartSide sidingReplace a roofRemodel the kitchenEV charging stations
Interest rates for the Minnesota Fix-Up Fund vary by term, with current rates ranging from 6.125% to 6.625% for terms ranging from 5 to 20 years.
Check this out: Home Renovation Project
Minnesota Fund Projects
The Minnesota Fix-Up Fund is a state-wide program that offers loans at below-market interest rates to Minnesota homeowners. It was established to improve the basic livability and/or energy efficiency of the borrower's home.
Eligible projects include attached or detached garages, new energy-efficient replacement windows, and upgrades to existing bathrooms. You can also add a bathroom, finish an attic or basement, install dormers, or build an addition.
The Minnesota Fix-Up Fund Home Improvement Projects Include:
- Attached or Detached Garages
- New energy efficient Replacement Windows
- Upgrade an existing bathroom
- Add a bathroom
- Finish an attic or basement
- Install dormers
- Build an addition
- Build a new Porch
- Install new Vinyl, James Hardi or LP SmartSide siding
- Replace a roof
- Remodel the kitchen
- EV charging stations
For example, you can use the loan officer Brenda Yaritz from the Center for Energy and Environment (CEE), a non-profit organization and a Minnesota Housing Fix-Up program lender.
Minnesota MHFA
The Minnesota MHFA offers a range of loan options for homeowners looking to renovate their properties. The maximum loan amount available is $75,000.
Interest rates vary depending on the term of the loan, with rates currently at 6.125% for a 5-year term, 6.375% for a 10-year term, 6.5% for a 15-year term, and 6.625% for a 20-year term. Rates are subject to change at any time, so it's essential to check current rates before applying.
To be eligible for a loan, borrowers must own the property or be purchasing it through a mortgage or contract for deed, and their gross annual household income must be $185,700.00 or less.
You can use the loan for most home improvements, including interior or exterior maintenance, remodeling, and even building a new garage. However, properties cannot be in the name of a trust.
Funds are available for homeowners throughout Minnesota, with a focus on the Twin Cities area, including Saint Paul, Minneapolis, and surrounding municipalities. Some of the specific cities where funds are available include Shoreview, West St. Paul, Woodbury, and Vadnais Heights.
Broaden your view: Home Renovation Loan Rates
Frequently Asked Questions
Are renovation loans hard to get?
To qualify for a renovation loan, you'll typically need a credit score of 660 or higher. While it may require a good credit score, there are still options available with good terms from multiple banks.
How long are home improvement loans?
Home improvement loans can have loan terms ranging from 2 to 12 years. You can repay the loan in monthly payments with interest over this set period.
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