If you have ever thought about buying a home and fixing it up to make it yours, a renovation loan or home improvement loan could be the mortgage for you.
What is a Renovation Loan?
Available for buying or refinancing a home, a renovation loan is a mortgage loan where additional funds to renovate a home are rolled into one loan. The new loan is based on the home’s estimated value after the renovations are complete, allowing you to borrow more than a traditional home equity loan.
These loans offer several advantages over some traditional mortgage loans:
- Avoid depleting savings or maxing out credit cards
- Build equity faster by increasing the value of the home
- Low interest rate and one monthly payment
There’s a lot to think about when buying a house – and it’s normal to have questions, especially if you are a first time home buyer.
Maybe you want to change your term or lower your payment or payoff your loan faster. A rate and term mortgage could be your key to both.
Finding a great home loan involves careful consideration of your needs, finances and history. We are here to guide you.
Frequently Asked Questions
A renovation loan works the same way as a traditional loan but adds the renovation costs and requirements.  Most renovation loans require that you live in the home as your primary residence and have limits on the amount of money you can borrow as well as what kind of improvements you can use it for. If the renovation project will not be used as a primary residence, take a look at our Fix & Flip program designed for investors.
There are several renovation loan programs available for owner-occupied properties, these include:
FHA 203k LoanÂ
Insured by the Federal Housing Administration, FHA 203k loans are a good choice for buyers who need a low down payment or have less than stellar credit scores. Available in Limited and Standard options, they can be used to purchase a one-to-four-unit home, condominium, or a mobile or manufactured home.
Fannie Mae HomeStyle Renovation Loan
This loan is a great choice for homeowners with good credit and a sizable down payment. Renovation funds can be used for repairs, remodeling or energy efficient upgrades for primary, vacation and rental properties.
Freddie Mac CHOICE Renovation & CHOICE Renovation Express
Similar to the FannieMae Homestyle, CHOICE Renovation is Freddie Mac’s renovation mortgage program. CHOICE is available in two versions depending on the scope of the renovations.
Cash-Out Mortgage Refinances
One of the most common choices for financing home improvements, a cash-out mortgage lets you refinance your home for more than you owe. You can then draw on the extra money to pay for your renovations. Offering a fixed interest rate, a cash-out refinance loan can lower your interest rate and/or your monthly payments.
Home Equity Loans & Lines of Credit
Access the money you’ve invested in your home while you’re still living in it. Home equity loans and lines of credit are personal loans that use your home as collateral. Often used to finance college tuition, debt consolidation, or new business ventures as well as home improvements, home equity loans let you borrow up to 90% of your home’s market value minus the amount you owe on the mortgage. It can be a smart choice if you have a substantial amount of equity built into your home and want to borrow a large lump sum for bigger renovation projects.
The qualifying guidelines for a renovation loan are the same guidelines for the specific loan program.Â
We have the experience, the social track record, and access to the right resources to get loans done.
Ready to Buy or Refinance?
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What Our Customers Say
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Robert Ahlers81 days agoTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
This is my second fourth time using Buckhead Home Loans. Briggs and his team are very efficient and their rates are always competitive. I highly recommend them and will use them on my next purchase.Posted on Google![]()
kw90 days agoTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
We collaborated directly with Briggs Cline, a highly meticulous and precise professional. He promptly addressed all our inquiries and guided us through each step of the process with exceptional accuracy regarding dates and overall professionalism. We eagerly anticipate the opportunity to work with him again on future projects. I wholeheartedly recommend Buckhead Home Loans. Sincerely, The Wallace’sPosted on Google![]()
nancy alexis135 days agoTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
especially Aaron I thank you so much for all those work for me be patient with me step-by-step for me to be done the right way+1Posted on Google![]()
Carley Richey195 days agoTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
Buckhead Home Loans is the absolute best!! They are all very helpful and friendly. They make the home buying process go smoothly. Highly recommended using them for your next home purchase!Posted on Google![]()
Edmond Henry352 days agoTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
Buckhead Home Loans are the absolute best when purchasing a property. They were very easy to work with, and kept me informed every step of the purchase. I would give them 10 stars!!!!!Posted on Google![]()
Rick Musto370 days agoTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
Buckhead Home Loans has always taken care of my buyer clients with great communication and very competitive rates and pricing. Kris Thurman is one of their top Loan Officers.Posted on Google![]()
Brianna396 days agoTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
Anthony & Debbie are absolutely FANTASTIC! My husband and I are both self-employed, which makes our income situation a little tricky. Where other lenders wouldn’t even give us a chance, Anthony and Debbie fought for us, confidently worked through the challenges, and found real solutions to get our loan approved. I worked as an underwriter for 7 years, so I know firsthand how difficult our file was — and they still got it done. We’re so impressed and so thankful. Thank you, Buckhead Loans!Posted on Google![]()
Irene Hiyoshi557 days agoTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
Kris Thurman was very attentive, professional, and prompt with refinancing our Florida property. We are very happy with the successful and happy end result.Posted on Google![]()
sherry donohue636 days agoTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
Aaron Craft and his team are very professional and efficient throughout the entire loan process. I highly recommend Buckhead Home Loans for your next refinance, or home purchase.Posted on Google![]()
Tamar Saintil647 days agoTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
Tommy was the absolute best!!! This is my second time working with him and I will work with him again and again. It was a smooth transaction and he’s made the home buying process so great! Thanks again!!!
Let's Find a Loan That's Right For You
Whether you are buying a new home, getting cash from your home’s equity, seeking a more affordable payment, or want to pay off your home loan sooner, our mortgage professionals explain your options simply and clearly — and offer you competitive rates and terms to help you save.
Our mission is to help give you the smartest path for homeownership, regardless of your starting point.
Dream it, Mortgage, and Make It Real
Loan programs, along with 100% financing options from Buckhead Home Loans aimed to make homeownership achievable. Â
Experience Homeownership with Ease
Personalized, low-pressure, action-oriented, focused on building trust while guiding clients toward the next step
1. Complete Your Application
Applicants can start online or over the phone to determine affordability.
2. Become a Certified Home Buyer
Once the loan application is received, your loan officer will review your loan options. Â
3. Time for Processing
A processor verifies information, orders the appraisal, title report, and homeowners insurance.Â
4. Closing on Your New Home
Once the loan is cleared to close, the loan documents are sent to the title company for signing.Â