Author Topic: Cannot refinance with a single-wide trailer on property  (Read 1945 times)

MelodyG

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Cannot refinance with a single-wide trailer on property
« on: April 13, 2021, 02:48:49 PM »
I have been trying to refinance my property with a 4 bedroom 3 bath house on 20 acres.  There is a single-wide trailer on the property that is used as a rental.  We were rejected for our first refi attempt because Freddie Mac and Fannie Mae apparently have a rule that they will not back a mortgage with a trailer on the property.  The house and property appraise well over the remainder of the loan, and we consider the value of the trailer to be $0.

I cannot find any information online for this rule, only information if you're trying to get a mortgage for a manufactured home (which we aren't). This seems kind of nuts to me!  Does anyone know anything about this, and a possible way around it?

former player

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Re: Cannot refinance with a single-wide trailer on property
« Reply #1 on: April 13, 2021, 04:25:34 PM »
Ways around might be 1) get rid of the trailer 2) split the title so the trailer is on a different property.  1) loses you rent and 2) may add to your property taxes, so the maths for a refi might not add up.

How did you get a mortgage on the property in the first place?   


Aegishjalmur

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Re: Cannot refinance with a single-wide trailer on property
« Reply #2 on: April 13, 2021, 04:35:14 PM »
It's complicated..... they will do it .... sometimes.

The property has to have comparable properties that are similar to allow the appraiser to do valid comps (so other homes in the area with large acre lots and single wide accessory units). 

I've also seen it done where the utilities are turned off and the appraiser comments that it has no value/is just storage(outbuilding).





Fannie Mae has the following guidelines:

For ADU's:
https://selling-guide.fanniemae.com/Selling-Guide/Origination-thru-Closing/Subpart-B2-Eligibility/Chapter-B2-3-Property-Eligibility/1032991541/B2-3-04-Special-Property-Eligibility-Considerations-09-02-2020.htm?touchpoint=Guide&fbclid=IwAR3CvOWiQcQ5-NO_qtq475J5rXmvBdeE4yvQYokpBltH3IRkcxRljAY_Nj8#Accessory.20Dwelling.20Units

Construction of an ADU

The construction method of an ADU can be site- or factory-built, including modular, and single- or multi-width HUD Code manufactured homes that are legally classified as real property. If an ADU is present, the primary dwelling must be site-built or a modular home. If the ADU is a HUD Code manufactured home, the lender must verify the following:

the property was built in compliance with the Federal Manufactured Home Construction and Safety Standards (established June 15, 1976, as amended and in force at the time the home was manufactured),

it is attached to a permanent foundation system in accordance with the manufacturer’s requirements for anchoring, support, stability, and maintenance,

the foundation system must be appropriate for the soil conditions for the site and meet local and state codes,

it is encumbered by the mortgage with the primary dwelling, and

additional requirements that appear in HUD regulations in 24 C.F.R. Part 3280.

Compliance with these standards will be evidenced by photos of the HUD Data Plate and HUD Certification Label(s) in the appraisal. If the original or alternative documentation cannot be obtained for the Data Plate or HUD Certification Label(s), the loan is not eligible for delivery to Fannie Mae. See B2-3-02, Special Property Eligibility and Underwriting Considerations: Factory-Built Housing, for more information.


For Outbuildings:

https://selling-guide.fanniemae.com/Selling-Guide/Origination-thru-Closing/Subpart-B4-Underwriting-Property/Chapter-B4-1-Appraisal-Requirements/Section-B4-1-3-Appraisal-Report-Assessment/1032992541/B4-1-3-05-Improvements-Section-of-the-Appraisal-Report-09-02-2020.htm#Properties.20with.20Outbuildings

Properties with Outbuildings
A lender must give properties with outbuildings special consideration in the appraisal report review to ensure that the property is residential in nature. Descriptions of the outbuildings should be reported in the Improvements and Sales Comparison Approach sections of the appraisal report form.

Type of Outbuilding   

Minimal outbuildings, such as small barns or stables, that are of relatively insignificant value in relation to the total appraised value of the subject property.   The appraiser must demonstrate through the use of comparable sales with similar amenities that the improvements are typical of other residential properties in the subject area for which an active, viable residential market exists.
An atypical minimal outbuilding-The property is acceptable provided the appraiser’s analysis reflects little or no contributory value for it.
Significant outbuildings, such as silos, large barns, storage areas, or facilities for farm-type animals.   The presence of the outbuildings may indicate that the property is agricultural in nature. The lender must determine whether the property is residential in nature, regardless of whether the appraiser assigns value to the outbuildings.



Freddie Mac has the following guidelines:

https://guide.freddiemac.com/app/guide/section/5601.12


Outbuildings on a property:
Outbuildings on a property, such as barns or stables, must be considered in the underwriting process to determine whether the property is primarily residential or non-residential. A property with a small barn or stable may be acceptable if the contributory value of the outbuilding(s) is minimal in relation to the total appraised value of the subject property. The appraiser must demonstrate in the appraisal (e.g., through the use of comparable sales, pending sales or listings) that these characteristics are typical for residential properties in the market area.


ADUs:

Manufactured Home accessory unit

Freddie Mac will purchase a Mortgage on a one-unit dwelling that contains a Manufactured Home accessory unit that meets the requirements for a property with an accessory unit and the following:

The Manufactured Home meets the property eligibility requirements of Section 5703.2 and titling and lien requirements of Section 5703.7
The Manufactured Home accessory unit must be legally classified as real property
A Manufactured Home accessory unit must have a minimum of 400 square feet of gross living area and meet the HUD Codes for Manufactured Homes (HUD Codes)
A Manufactured Home may not be an accessory unit for a Mortgage secured by a Manufactured Home. However, this does not apply when the Mortgage is secured by a CHOICEHome®.
The appraisal report for a 1-unit property with a Manufactured Home accessory unit must include the following:
Confirmation that the HUD Data Plate/Compliance Certificate is attached to the dwelling. If not attached, the appraiser must provide the data source(s) for the HUD Data Plate/Compliance Certificate information reported.
Confirmation that the Wind, Roof Load and Thermal Zones meet the minimum HUD requirements for the location of the subject property. If the unit does not meet these requirements, the appraiser must address.
Confirmation that the HUD Certification Label is attached to the exterior of each section of the dwelling. If not attached, the appraiser must provide the data source(s) for the HUD Certification Label information reported.
Manufacturer's Serial #(s)/VIN #(s)
HUD Certification Label #(s)
Manufacturer's Name
Trade/Model
Date of Manufacture
Describe any additions or modifications made to the Manufactured Home (decks, rooms, remodeling, etc.). See Section 5703.2 for property eligibility for Manufactured Homes.

PMJL34

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Re: Cannot refinance with a single-wide trailer on property
« Reply #3 on: April 14, 2021, 10:38:14 AM »
Refinance with a new lender. Report that the trailer is "storage" or vacant/parked or better yet, don't mention it for refi purposes. That should do the trick. Now, if you need this rental income to qualify, then that will be more difficult.

sailinlight

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Re: Cannot refinance with a single-wide trailer on property
« Reply #4 on: April 14, 2021, 10:45:16 AM »
I had this same problem with several banks. As far as I can tell it just depends who pulls the title if they find out about it or not. I finally found a bank that didn't say anything, and so neither did I :) I'm not sure how other states besides California work, but it might help if you give the property tax number yourself so they don't go rooting around trying to find it based on the address.

Aegishjalmur

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Re: Cannot refinance with a single-wide trailer on property
« Reply #5 on: April 14, 2021, 10:50:16 AM »
Refinance with a new lender. Report that the trailer is "storage" or vacant/parked or better yet, don't mention it for refi purposes. That should do the trick. Now, if you need this rental income to qualify, then that will be more difficult.

The issue is an appraiser will note it, especially if hooked up to utilities, ect, which brings it back to the comparable sales.

I do agree look at other lenders. Maybe a local credit union would be a better fit. If they are not selling to Fannie/Freddie their guidelines will be different. Maybe ask around and see who any local landowners/farmers use.

MelodyG

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Re: Cannot refinance with a single-wide trailer on property
« Reply #6 on: April 19, 2021, 03:11:32 PM »
For the initial mortgage, we bought the property out of foreclosure and the trailer was classified as an outbuilding.  We've tried the local credit union, and now I'm giving Quicken loans a go.

Thank you all for your helpful replies, and especially the links to the guidelines.  Much appreciated!!

Dicey

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Re: Cannot refinance with a single-wide trailer on property
« Reply #7 on: April 27, 2021, 10:50:43 PM »
Maybe Frank has some thoughts on this subject. Oh, @Exflyboy...

Exflyboy

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Re: Cannot refinance with a single-wide trailer on property
« Reply #8 on: April 28, 2021, 02:06:34 PM »
@Dicey Here I am..:)

Yeah I went through this when I went to buy my place that has a single wide as a rental. This thing also has its own tax lot just for the box.

I tried two lenders that outright refused to finance ANY of the property unless I removed the trailer. OK so assume the value of the trailer is $zero how much finance will you give me?.. Answer.. $zero.. Because it has a trailer on it.. WTF?

Despite my protestations that the the rent paid the mortgage (i.e it was a "free" house) they would absolutely not finance any of the property.

I got lucky because in those days the company I worked for owned their own credit union and I had previously managed to persuade them to approve a loan for me even though I did not have a Credit rating.. "loan me some $$ or I am going back home and you can explain to the board of fortune 500 company that dragged me over here that they would need to find someone else to perform their vitally important project!".. It actually worked!

Because I had this way through the back door I managed to talk some sense into them and provided I paid for the trailer myself they would write a mortgage on the rest of the property.

chicagomeg

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Re: Cannot refinance with a single-wide trailer on property
« Reply #9 on: April 28, 2021, 03:57:20 PM »
I also just went thru this trying to buy a house for my mom (it fell thru on inspection, not appraisal). Two things that at least seemed to be on the right track:

-Working with a local bank/credit union that would hold the loan in house & not sell it--tell them you're looking for a "portfolio" loan and they will be able to tell you if it's feasible or not
-Rocket Mortgage claimed they would be able to finance it if it could be classified as an ADU per Aegishjalmur's post


MelodyG

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Re: Cannot refinance with a single-wide trailer on property
« Reply #10 on: July 06, 2021, 12:37:50 PM »
I ended up going through Rocket Mortgage (they've been super easy to deal with- highly recommend them so far).  When the appraiser that came to look at the property, we just told him the trailer was worth nothing, that it's just an outbuilding.  He magically left it out of his report

Dicey

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Re: Cannot refinance with a single-wide trailer on property
« Reply #11 on: July 07, 2021, 02:09:06 AM »
I ended up going through Rocket Mortgage (they've been super easy to deal with- highly recommend them so far).  When the appraiser that came to look at the property, we just told him the trailer was worth nothing, that it's just an outbuilding.  He magically left it out of his report
 
Thanks for the update. Has the loan closed yet? Are you happy with the terms you received?

Exflyboy

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Re: Cannot refinance with a single-wide trailer on property
« Reply #12 on: July 07, 2021, 02:01:48 PM »
The appraiser probably realised the trailer would cause you grief before magically leaving it out..

I must admit I do like the $1100/month that also magically comes from my single wide.. At least I do when the darn thing (or the people inside it) isn't causing me grief..:)

MelodyG

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Re: Cannot refinance with a single-wide trailer on property
« Reply #13 on: July 13, 2021, 07:44:07 AM »
I ended up going through Rocket Mortgage (they've been super easy to deal with- highly recommend them so far).  When the appraiser that came to look at the property, we just told him the trailer was worth nothing, that it's just an outbuilding.  He magically left it out of his report
 
Thanks for the update. Has the loan closed yet? Are you happy with the terms you received?

Loan closes tomorrow.  Yes, pretty happy with the loan terms.  I would have liked a lower interest rate for more points up front, but it's still very good.  The whole process has been great.  Their website is really easy to navigate, they communicate promptly and are responsive to questions, and they took care of basically everything.