Property or Facilities Remodeling or Enhancement Loan
Often a building owner will need to make changes to their property, whether it is a minor change or something more substantial. In those situations they will need to turn to a specific loan to achieve those changes.
There is a distinct difference between a remodeling loan and an enhancement loan, as well as a difference between property and facilities. Property loans are connected directly to the property itself, and not tied solely into the buildings on that property. A property is described as everything on a particular parcel of land. This does include any larger buildings, but also includessmall buildings as well such as garages, sheds, and barns. It also includes the land the buildings sit on, and any major or minor landscaping. What that means is that borrowers can actually take out commercial loans to enhance the landscaping features on a particular property.
Property enhancement loans are used to enhance the features of a particular property. This may include adding features such as a pond, or building a new garage. A property remodeling loan is different because it focuses on making changes to existing features. Some property owners use the loans to rehabilitate historic buildings on the property, or to redo a driveway or parking lot.
As discussed above, there is a difference between an enhancement loan and a remodeling loan. There is also a difference between a property loan and a facilities loan. While a property loan applies to everything on a property including landscaping, a facilities loan applies only to the buildings on that property. Outbuildings such as garages, sheds, and barns may fall under property loans or facilities loans, depending on what they are used for.
A facilities remodeling loan refers to anything done to existing structures on the property that make them safe for human inhabitation. For example a remodeling loan used on a garage should ensure that humans can safely enter and exit the building. In general, remodeling loans are more because they involve more work. Remodeling should be done on existing buildings to make them safer. Enhancement loans are different because they are meant to actually enhance buildings on the property. An enhancement loan and remodeling loan include different types of work. A remodeling loan can include things such as adding a kitchen or apartment onto the property. An enhancement loan would include things like turning a barn into a garage, painting buildings, or replacing a roof.
One of the things that frighten property owners initially is the loan application process. While this process can be long and complicated, it does not have to be a scary or confusing process. With many lenders, a loan counselor will be available every step of the way to answer any concerns or questions the borrower may have. The first step is to determine the type of loan needed, and wanted. Once a loan type is chosen, the borrower will need to fill out a loan application. This loan application will be used by the lender to determine whether or not they will approve the loan. Borrowers will also be required to show proof of income, provide references, and agree to a credit check. In some situations the borrower may also be required to show proof of ownership of the property, such as a copy of the deed. The lender then weighs the different parts of the application to make a decision. This decision is influenced heavily by the borrower's credit rating and credit score. If the lender decides not to approve the loan, a borrower can apply again using a co-signer. This co-signer will need to do the same things, including consenting to a credit check.
There are several ways that an individual can find lenders for commercial and business loans as discussed here. The hardest part is finding a reputable lender. There are a number of lenders that have extremely high interest rates, and less ethical business practices. These lenders typically advertise door to door, or through handmade flyers in mailboxes. Obviously these lenders should be shunned in favor of traditional financial institutions. If the property is already purchased, borrowers should look at the bank where their mortgage is held.
Those with a history of making payments on time, and those who have a healthy relationship with their bank may find it easy to secure a loan. Borrowers can also try their local banks for remodeling and enhancement loans. As a last resort, potential buyers can also look online for any banks that may have such loans available. It's important to use a bank located in the country the property is in, and to do a background check on that company through the Better Business Bureau. This ensures that the borrower is using a reputable lender with good business practices.
The uses of remodeling and enhancement loans are far reaching and highly varied. Nearly anything that can be construed as remodeling or enhancement can fall under the loan. This includes work that is completed inside the buildings, but the exterior as well. Individuals are often surprised at just how encompassing these loans are. There are a number of things that most property owners never consider that can often fall under a remodeling or enhancement loan.
Take for instance creating a parking lot, or paving a new driveway. Each of those things is types of remodeling or enhancing, and a loan can be used to pay for those changes. Many property owners make the erroneous assumption that the loans can only be used for larger jobs. While there are borrowers who use the loans to make major changes to their property, just as many use them for smaller changes.
These smaller changes can be as simple as removing trees in the yard, adding a series of bushes in front of a store, or painting the exterior. The property loans can also be used to replace the windows in a building, adding a patio, or creating new signage on a building.
To qualify for any of the commercial loans and business loans discussed here, an individual must meet a variety of criteria. These criteria may range from lender to lender, but there are a few things that all lenders tend to agree on for potential borrowers. The first is that the borrower must be the current owner of the property, and listed on the deed or mortgage. There is only one loan option where this isn't necessary. That is the combined loan, which will be discussed later. In general, borrowers applying for an enhancement or remodeling commercial loan must be the registered owners of the property.
Financial institutions placed this regulation to prevent borrowers from using property they did not own to secure a loan. In many cases the borrower will need to use the property as collateral for the loan, and must be able to prove they own the property. The borrower will also need to have some way to secure the loan. This is usually done by using the property as collateral, though some individuals choose to use another property as collateral. Some financial institutions also allow potential borrowers to make a significant down payment on the loan, in lieu of collateral.
The amount varies from 5-10%, but can be as much as the borrower can afford. The financial institution will also require that the borrower have a positive credit history, with a high-ranking credit score. If the potential buyer cannot meet the credit requirements, a co-signer can be used. The co-signer is subjected to the same credit requirements, and is also responsible for the loan if the original borrower cannot make the payments. In some cases the lender may also require that the borrower show proof of employment.
Property owners looking for a commercial or business loan have a number of options. The first and most popular option is a traditional loan from a bank or other type of financial institution. The borrower must either pay a down payment on the total loan amount, or tie the loan into their property. Building owners may also qualify for an equity loan, but this only applies to those who own their property outright or have made several years of payments. The lender will base the loan amount on the amount of equity, or money spent already on the property.
Borrowers may also use a remodeling loan. A remodeling loan only applies on projects less than $50,000 and includes a high level of involvement from the lender. There are also combined loans available, which will be discussed more in depth later. With a combined loan, a borrower can request more than the amount needed to buy the property, and use the excess for any changes. There may be more options available, depending on the lender used for the loan.
Combined loans were briefly mentioned in an above section, but deserve a few words on their own. Combined loans are becoming increasingly more popular, especially for first time buyers. This type of loan is also popular with owners who buy and sell property for a profit. Known in some circles as "flippers", these workers buy a property for a small amount of money, make a few changes, and sell it within a few months at a significant profit. The way many of these flippers finance their buying is through combined loans. A combined loan is tied into the original loan used to buy the property.
When a borrower makes their initial request for a loan, and fill out their application, they may have the option of creating a combined loan. A combined loan works by adding a specific amount of money to the original loan, solely to make enhancements to the property. For example, if a property is bought for $200,000 the borrower may be able to borrow $250,000 or more. The extra money can then be used to make changes and adjustments to the property. Any interest rates on the loan apply to the entire amount, not just the initial loan amount. Certain lenders have stopped this practice, but many financial institutions still allow borrowers to borrow more than the amount of the property.
A specialized remodeling loan is a type of commercial loan available to certain property owners. This is typically used with private homes, but in recent years this loan type has increased in popularity for commercial buildings. Generally speaking this is seen as a last resort for property owners because the loans can carry a higher than average interest rate. As of 2008 the interest rates on a specialized remodeling loan have stabilized to 7-7.25%, making it a better choice for some. A specialized remodeling loan works differently than the loans discussed previously because they are connected directly to the remodeling work. The lender will initially ask for the changes that will be made and an estimate of the costs before agreeing to a loan.
The property owner will then need to create a detailed list of the work to be done, along with estimates of when the work is completed. The lender and borrower then create a schedule of the work, and the first disbursement is made. The loan is tied into this original schedule, and as each phase is completed, another disbursement is made. The lender will typically be very involved in the remodeling process. They may require proof that a certain phase is completed, prior to releasing any funds. This is usually done with a letter from the contractor, or a personal visit to the site. A specialized remodeling loan is based on what the property will be worth once the remodeling is complete. The lender looks at current market values, along with a number of other factors to determine this value. This type of loan usually can only be for projects under $50,000.