Home Buying

Buying a condo? Here's what lenders look at

When you finance a condo, the lender reviews the building and the HOA, not just you. Knowing this up front helps avoid surprises.

What gets reviewed

  • HOA finances: whether the association has enough reserves and how many owners are behind on dues
  • Insurance: whether the building has adequate coverage
  • Building condition: major repairs or safety issues, especially in older buildings
  • Owner occupancy and investor concentration: how many units are rentals or owned by one person
  • Lawsuits involving the HOA

The condo questionnaire

The HOA fills out a questionnaire for your lender. Ask for it early. Some HOAs take a week or more to respond.

If the building doesn't meet standard guidelines

Some projects don't meet conventional, FHA, or VA requirements. That doesn't always mean you can't buy. We have other options for these buildings, sometimes with a larger down payment.

Frequently asked questions

Can I use FHA or VA for a condo?
Yes, if the project is approved or can be approved. We'll check before you make an offer.
Do special assessments matter?
Yes. Tell us about any planned assessments so we can include them.

Ready to talk it through?

Tell us a little about your goals and we'll walk you through your options. No cost, no obligation.