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Freddie Mac CHOICERenovation® Guide

What Types of Properties Are Eligible for a Freddie Mac CHOICERenovation® Loan?

Freddie Mac CHOICERenovation® finances 1–4 unit primary residences, 1-unit second homes, 1-unit investment properties, doublewide manufactured homes on permanent foundations, and PUDs — with occupancy and unit-count rules that change LTV and reserves.

Eligible Property Types

The property must be financeable on conventional Freddie Mac terms before renovation escrow is added.

1–4 unit primary residence

1-unit second home

1-unit investment property

1-unit doublewide manufactured home on permanent foundation

PUDs (planned unit developments)

Occupancy & Unit Count Change the Rules

The same property type can qualify under different down payment, LTV, and reserve requirements depending on how you will use it.

Occupancy / unitsMax purchase LTVMin down
Primary — Home Possible (1-unit)97%3%
Primary — 1-unit standard95%5%
Primary — 2-unit85%15%
Primary — 3–4 unit80%20%
Second home (1-unit)90%10%
Investment (1-unit)85%15%

Manufactured Home Notes

Doublewide manufactured homes on permanent foundations may qualify for Freddie Mac CHOICERenovation® when they meet Freddie Mac guidelines — but repair limits are tighter than site-built homes.

Max purchase LTV95%
Repair capLesser of $50,000 or 50% ARV
FoundationPermanent foundation required

Common Property Red Flags

Issues that can block Freddie Mac CHOICERenovation® even when the property type is otherwise eligible.

Non-warrantable condo project

HOA litigation, high investor concentration, or deferred maintenance can stall conventional condo approval.

Scope exceeds repair caps

Purchase repairs capped at 75% of the lesser of price plus rehab or ARV; manufactured capped at $50k or 50% ARV.

Unrealistic after-improved value

The appraisal must support the post-renovation value — over-scoping relative to the neighborhood kills the file.

Ineligible occupancy mix

Second home and investment are limited to 1-unit properties — you cannot use Freddie Mac CHOICERenovation® on a 2-unit investment.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use Freddie Mac CHOICERenovation® on a condo or PUD?

Yes. Planned unit developments and warrantable condos qualify when the project meets Freddie Mac review — we verify HOA and project status before you offer.

Are manufactured homes eligible?

1-unit doublewide manufactured homes on a permanent foundation may qualify when they meet Freddie Mac manufactured housing guidelines. Repair caps are tighter — lesser of $50,000 or 50% of after-improved value.

Can I buy a duplex with Freddie Mac CHOICERenovation®?

Yes when you occupy one unit as your primary residence. 2–4 unit owner-occupied properties follow conventional multi-unit rules with higher down payment and reserve expectations.

Can Freddie Mac CHOICERenovation® finance an investment property?

Yes. 1-unit investment properties are eligible when you meet 15% down on purchase and LPA Accept underwriting. Investment refinance stays at 85% LTV.

Found a Property You Want to Renovate?

Ryan & Steve verify property type, occupancy, and repair scope against Freddie Mac CHOICERenovation® guidelines before you write an offer.

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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