Many FHA approved lenders have successfully used the Section 203(k) program to rehabilitate properties working in partnership with state and local housing agencies and nonprofit organizations. These lenders have found ways to combine Section 203(k) along with other financial resources (such as HUD’s HOME, HOPE, and Community Development Block Grant Programs) in order to assist borrowers wanting to buy a home that needs renovation. In fact, many state housing finance agencies have specifically designed programs for use with FHA Section 203(k) and some lenders have even used the expertise of local housing agencies and nonprofit organizations to help manage the rehabilitation process.
Along with HUD’s own goals, the Department believes that the Section 203(k) program is an excellent means for lenders to demonstrate their own commitment to lending in lower income communities to help meet their responsibilities under the Community Reinvestment Act (CRA). HUD is committed to increasing home ownership opportunities for families in lower income communities and this house remodeling program is an excellent product for use with CRA-type lending programs.