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Freddie Mac CHOICERenovation® Guide

Can I Add Accessibility Improvements With a Freddie Mac CHOICERenovation® Loan?

Yes. Freddie Mac CHOICERenovation® explicitly allows accessibility improvements and permanently installed appliances in the renovation escrow — so ramps, wider doorways, and related aging-in-place work can finance alongside kitchens, baths, and structural repairs.

Age in Place Without a Separate Loan

Paying cash for ramps, doorway widening, and bath modifications drains reserves. Freddie Mac CHOICERenovation® rolls accessibility work into the same conventional mortgage that funds purchase or rate/term refinance renovations.

Work must be in licensed contractor bids and support after-improved value. One general contractor coordinates accessibility trades with any other remodel items in the escrow.

Ryan and Steve help you package accessibility scopes with kitchens, baths, or structural work so LPA Accept and the 75% repair cap stay clean.

At a Glance

AccessibilityExplicitly eligible
AppliancesPermanently installed OK
ExamplesRamps, wider doorways
ContractorOne GC — licensed bids
DIY in escrowNot permitted
Repair cap75% (mfg. limits apply)
UnderwritingLPA Accept required

Accessibility Work That Typically Qualifies

Entry & circulation

Ramps, wider doorways, hallway adjustments, and threshold modifications that improve access.

Bath & kitchen access

Layout changes, grab-ready bath configs, and fixture placements when permanently installed and bid-documented.

Permanently installed appliances

Appliances that stay with the property as part of the approved accessibility or remodel scope.

Combined remodel scopes

Accessibility items bundled with kitchens, baths, roofs, or structural work under one GC.

What Underwriters Need

  • •Line-item contractor bids for accessibility and related trades
  • •After-improved appraisal that reflects finished access features
  • •Contingency reserve (10% min · 15% if utilities off · 20% max)
  • •Draw schedule with five inspections plus final 1004D
  • •Completion within 15 months after closing

What Stays Outside Escrow

  • •Portable medical equipment you fund personally
  • •Temporary or non-permanent accessories not in the bid
  • •DIY labor you hoped to credit as sweat equity
  • •Cosmetic items you prefer to pay cash for after closing

Frequently Asked Questions

Can Freddie Mac CHOICERenovation® finance accessibility improvements?

Yes. Accessibility upgrades such as ramps, wider doorways, and related permanently installed appliances can roll into Freddie Mac CHOICERenovation® when they appear in the approved contractor scope of work.

Do accessibility upgrades count toward the repair cost cap?

Yes. Accessibility work is part of total renovation costs and must fit the 75% repair cost cap (or manufactured-home limits). Contingency still applies at 10% minimum of repair costs.

Can I combine accessibility work with a kitchen remodel?

Yes. Accessibility items can sit alongside kitchens, baths, roofs, and other eligible improvements in one escrowed scope — as long as one general contractor coordinates the bids and timeline.

Is a medical need required to finance accessibility upgrades?

Freddie Mac CHOICERenovation® treats accessibility improvements as eligible renovations when bid-documented and value-supported. You do not need a separate government accessibility grant — but lender overlays and after-improved appraisal support still apply.

Planning Accessibility Upgrades?

Ryan & Steve will review your accessibility bids and occupancy type so Freddie Mac CHOICERenovation® finances the right permanent improvements.

Freddie Mac CHOICERenovation® is a registered trademark of Freddie Mac. All loans are subject to credit and property approval. Program guidelines, LTV limits, and pricing are subject to change without notice and may not be available in all areas. This website is not affiliated with or endorsed by Freddie Mac, Fannie Mae, HUD, or any government agency. Information is for educational purposes only and is not a commitment to lend.

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The 2 Mortgage Guys

Ryan Minick and Steve DeLon — Branch Managers & Senior Loan Officers at Luminate Bank. Based in Kokomo, Indiana. Lending nationwide since 2005.

Contact

(765) 450-8933

[email protected]

Ryan Minick NMLS# 203249

Steve DeLon NMLS# 202876

Luminate Bank NMLS# 1281698

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Luminate Bank NMLS 1281698 Bank Headquarters 2523 S. Wayzata Blvd., Suite 100 Minneapolis, MN 55405 (952) 939-7200. This is not an offer to enter into an agreement. Information provided is outlining the minimum down payment requirements as allowed by specific loan program and product guidelines and any information, rates and programs are subject to change without prior notice and may not be available in all states. All loans are subject to credit and property approval. Luminate Bank is not affiliated with any government agency. All rights reserved.

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