The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) is the federal agency responsible for national housing policy, fair housing enforcement, and programs that support community development and homeownership.
The Federal Housing Administration (FHA)—a division of HUD—insures mortgages to make homeownership more accessible, especially in communities with aging housing stock or limited financing options.
The FHA 203(k) Renovation Program was enacted by the United States Congress on October 31, 1978 to help revitalize older homes by allowing buyers and homeowners to finance both the purchase (or refinance) and the renovation of a property through a single mortgage. It remains one of the most powerful tools for restoring and preserving America’s housing inventory.
Renovating a home or live-in-investment property is a major undertaking — and the right guidance makes all the difference. Desired Home Inspections LLC, founded by HUD-Approved Renovation Consultant James Desir, provides expert consulting for every major renovation mortgage program.
James is recognized as one of the leading advocates for renovation mortgages in the nation, championing access, education, and responsible renovation planning for homebuyers, homeowners, lenders, and investors.
From FHA 203(k) to VA Renovation, Fannie Mae HomeStyle, Freddie Mac CHOICERenovation, and private investor strategies, we help you build a renovation plan that is clear, compliant, and financially sound.
Home Inspector and HUD Consultant James Desir is passionate about educating homeowners, homebuyers, and industry professionals on the transformative power of the FHA 203(k) rehabilitation program. Through his “RENOVATE THE TRI-STATE!” initiative, James is actively helping clients throughout New York, New Jersey, and Connecticut unlock the potential of residential properties through strategic renovation and rehabilitation. His mission is to provide expert guidance and consultation from the very beginning of the home renovation journey, ensuring that clients have the knowledge and resources needed to achieve successful outcomes.
Whether working with homeowners, lenders, real estate professionals, or builders, James is committed to making the renovation process more accessible and empowering communities through home improvement opportunities. Be sure to connect with James Desir across all social media platforms, visit JamesDesir.com for valuable resources and updates, and save his digital business card to your contacts for quick and convenient access whenever you need trusted renovation expertise.
The FHA 203(k) program allows buyers and homeowners to finance both the purchase (or refinance) and renovation of a property with one mortgage.
If you want to finance the purchase of a home that needs rehabilitation—or finance improvements to your current home—the Federal Housing Administration’s (FHA) Section 203(k) Rehabilitation Mortgage Insurance Program may be the right choice for you.
This program, available through FHA-approved lenders, allows:
All renovation, repair, or remodeling costs are combined into one single loan.
Structural, Mechanical & Safety
Interior & Exterior Renovations
Additions & Conversions
Energy Efficiency
Other Improvements
Many homebuyers face a complicated or costly process when trying to finance rehabilitation work. The FHA 203(k) Program simplifies this by allowing borrowers to:
Key Advantages
Consultant Requirement
Standard FHA 203(k)
Limited FHA 203(k)
Eligible Property Types
For eligible veterans and service members, this program finances home purchase or refinance plus repairs or upgrades. Ideal for improving safety, livability, and long‑term value.
A flexible conventional loan that allows luxury upgrades, structural improvements, and high‑end customization.
Perfect for buyers seeking freedom beyond FHA guidelines.
A conventional renovation loan supporting modernization, repairs, and resiliency improvements such as flood, wind, or disaster‑mitigation upgrades.
We provide the same detailed consulting services for non‑government renovation loans, including:
Our consulting ensures your scope, budget, and contractor coordination stay aligned from start to finish.
We make renovation financing simple, transparent, and achievable.
Fees: James Desir follows the same standardized fee schedule set by HUD for all renovation loan programs, ensuring fairness, transparency, and compliance across every project—FHA, VA, HomeStyle, CHOICERenovation, and private investor renovations.
Proudly Serving
New York:
Brooklyn • Queens • Manhattan • Staten Island • The Bronx • Westchester County • Nassau County
Now also serving:
New Jersey • Connecticut
Whether you’re renovating your home or scaling your investment portfolio, we’re here to guide you every step of the way.
Let’s build something great together.