FOR THE HOME YOU PLAN TO LIVE IN
Keep the address. Rethink the space.
A better kitchen, a needed repair or space for a changing household. Start with the project and repayment plan before choosing how to borrow for it.
Plan before the project starts. Program eligibility varies. Review the borrower, property, project and contractor requirements before committing to work.
Our team can help you compare a HELOC, closed-end home equity loan, cash-out refinance or purchase/renovation mortgage. The right comparison depends on the existing mortgage, project scope, equity, contractor and payment budget.
Bids, permits and scope
Fees, rate and repayment
Delays and cost changes
| Option | How it may fit | What deserves attention |
|---|---|---|
| HELOC | Phased work with borrowing as needed. | Variable rates where applicable, draw and repayment terms, and lien risk. |
| Closed-end equity loan | A defined amount for a known scope. | Payment, fees, term and combined debt against the home. |
| Cash-out refinance | Replacing the first mortgage while accessing equity. | Costs and terms on the entire new first mortgage, not just the project funds. |
| Purchase or renovation mortgage | A program that combines acquisition or refinancing with eligible improvements. | Specific availability, contractor review, draws, appraisal and completion conditions. |
Cederholm Mortgage Advisors offers FHA 203(k) and Fannie Mae HomeStyle Renovation financing for eligible purchase and refinance transactions. We can help compare these programs with home-equity and other refinance options using your project, existing mortgage and payment goals.
FHA 203(k) combines eligible home repairs or improvements with an FHA-insured purchase or refinance mortgage. Its Limited path is designed for minor remodeling and non-structural repairs. The Standard path can accommodate more extensive rehabilitation, including eligible structural work, and requires an FHA-approved 203(k) consultant. The appropriate path depends on the work and current program requirements.
HomeStyle Renovation is a conventional mortgage option that combines an eligible home purchase or limited cash-out refinance with financing for improvements. Project eligibility, contractor documentation, appraisal and completion requirements differ from FHA 203(k). HomeStyle Renovation is not a cash-out refinance.
Tell us what needs to change, whether you are buying or already own the home, and your expected timing. We can review the borrower, property, project and contractor requirements before you commit to a financing path. These descriptions do not guarantee approval or eligibility for particular work.
For a renovation mortgage, approved project funds are generally managed through a renovation account and released in stages called draws. A draw is a payment from those funds under the program’s approved process. Contractor records, invoices, inspections or other evidence of completed work may be required before a release. The permitted upfront payments, draw schedule and completion requirements depend on the selected program and lender.
Share the written scope, proposed contractor and payment schedule with Cederholm Mortgage Advisors before committing to work or paying a deposit. We can explain the financing requirements and help align the proposed payment schedule with the program’s process. Your contractor and qualified property professionals remain responsible for construction work, permits and their respective services.
Replacing a small project’s funding need by refinancing a much larger mortgage deserves careful math. Review the payment and total costs across the whole debt, not only the rate quoted for the renovation amount.
And keep resale value separate from enjoyment. An improvement can make a home work better for you without returning every dollar at sale. No tax deduction or investment return is promised.
No. This guide is for a home you intend to live in. Investor renovation projects have different occupancy, underwriting and repayment considerations.
Yes, for eligible transactions, Cederholm Mortgage Advisors offers FHA 203(k) and HomeStyle Renovation options that combine a home purchase with financing for eligible improvements. The appropriate option depends on your qualifications, property, proposed work and contractor documentation. We can review the project and financing requirements with you before you commit to work; approval is not guaranteed.
Program and lender requirements may restrict contractor selection, licensing, insurance or self-performed work. Review the contractor before committing.
Tax treatment depends on the loan, use of proceeds and your situation. Consult a qualified tax adviser; this page does not promise a deduction.
Information is educational and is not a loan offer, rate quote, approval or commitment to lend. Programs, costs and qualification requirements depend on the borrower, property, selected lender and current guidelines. Hypothetical examples are not client testimonials or guaranteed results.
Let’s connect your renovation plans with a mortgage strategy you understand. Cederholm Mortgage Advisors can help compare keeping your existing first mortgage with replacing it, review available equity and project funding needs, and explain the payment and costs of the available paths. Bring your current mortgage information, project priorities, any written bids and expected timing. We will identify the documents needed for the financing review and a secure way to share them.
Start with a written scope and a budget that leaves room for changes. This worksheet helps organize a review; it is not a contractor agreement or program approval.
| What to record | Your notes |
|---|---|
| Scope and priorities | Separate required repairs from optional improvements. |
| Written bids | Identify allowances, exclusions, permits and the proposed contractor. |
| Project timing | When would deposits, work, inspections and payments occur? |
| Contingency | How would you handle a higher bid, change order or delay? |
| Financing comparison | Record the existing mortgage, available equity, funds needed and a payment you could manage. |
| Program questions | Ask about borrower, property, contractor, appraisal, draw and completion requirements before committing to work. |
We can compare FHA 203(k), HomeStyle and home-equity or refinance paths for eligible situations. Share your project plan and proposed payment schedule early so we can review financing requirements before you commit to work.
Read more: HUD’s 203(k) borrower acknowledgment.
What happens next? The button below opens our secure loan inquiry. Tell us your goal and timing so we can discuss the relevant costs, documents and options. Prefer a conversation first? Call 303-931-6798 or contact our team. Share sensitive documents only through the secure channel we provide. A conversation is not a loan approval or commitment.