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Freddie Mac CHOICERenovation® Guide

Can I Finance Renovations on an Investment Property With a Freddie Mac CHOICERenovation® Loan?

Yes. Freddie Mac CHOICERenovation® can finance purchase-and-renovate or rate/term refinance-and-renovate on 1-unit investment properties at up to 85% LTV on after-improved value — with LPA Accept underwriting and escrowed contractor draws.

Fix-and-Rent With One Conventional Loan

Buying a tired rental and renovating after closing with cash or a HELOC stretches timelines and capital. Freddie Mac CHOICERenovation® can fund eligible repairs and upgrades in the first mortgage, sized on after-improved value so you borrow against the finished asset.

Investment Freddie Mac CHOICERenovation® is stricter than primary: higher down payments, stronger reserves, and investor overlays. One general contractor and escrow draws still control how rehab dollars are released.

Ryan and Steve compare Freddie Mac CHOICERenovation® investment financing with DSCR, bank-statement, and cash-out paths so you are not forcing the wrong product onto a rental deal.

At a Glance

OccupancyInvestment / rental
Property1-unit
Max LTV85% purchase & rate/term refi
Typical down15%
Value basisAfter-improved appraisal
ReservesHigher investor requirements
UnderwritingLPA Accept required
Alt pathDSCR when cash-flow qualifies

When Investment Freddie Mac CHOICERenovation® Fits

You qualify on personal income

W-2 or self-employed income supports conventional DTI, LPA Accept returns Accept, and you want renovations inside the first mortgage.

The scope needs escrow control

Roofs, systems, kitchens, pools, and structural work benefit from licensed bids and five inspection-based draws.

After-improved value supports the deal

Purchase price (or payoff) plus rehab still fits 85% investment LTV on the finished appraisal.

You can fund the higher cash stack

Down payment, closing costs, and reserves are available without starving the project contingency.

Investment LTV Advantage

Freddie Mac CHOICERenovation® keeps investment refinance at 85% — the same as purchase — so rate/term rehab refis are not forced into a lower leverage bucket.

TransactionMax LTVNotes
Purchase85%~15% down on after-improved value
Rate/term refinance85%No cash-out; 75% repair cost cap
vs. FHA 203(k)N/AFHA is primary residence only

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renovate a rental with Freddie Mac CHOICERenovation®?

Yes, when conventional investment occupancy, credit, down payment, reserves, LPA Accept, and after-improved LTV guidelines are met. Rehab funds still sit in escrow with one general contractor — not as a DIY cash-out.

How much down payment for investment Freddie Mac CHOICERenovation®?

Investment properties allow up to 85% LTV on both purchase and rate/term refinance — typically 15% down on after-improved value. That is a key advantage vs. some renovation programs that cut investment refinance LTV lower.

Do rental income and DSCR matter?

Traditional Freddie Mac CHOICERenovation® investment underwriting is conventional — income, DTI, and reserves with LPA Accept. Pure DSCR (no personal income) is a different product family. Ryan and Steve will tell you which path fits your file.

Is short-term rental occupancy allowed?

Short-term rental plans can trigger investment overlays, appraisal complexity, and reserve requirements. Confirm how the property will be used at closing before you lock occupancy type.

Buying or Refi-Renovating a Rental?

Ryan & Steve will compare Freddie Mac CHOICERenovation® at 85% LTV with DSCR and other investor options so you pick the cleanest path.

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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Kokomo's Mortgage Team. Lending Nationwide.

1221 Appletree Lane, Kokomo, IN 46902

NMLS Consumer Access

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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