EMAIL SUBJECT: Act Now to Support 203k Renovation
Consultants and Homeowners in our communities

Dear Senator/Representative [LAST NAME],

As a small business owner in your constituency, I have owned and operated a home inspection and renovation consulting business since ####. I have been honored to have helped over #### (give a number of hundreds or thousands) of home buyers and homeowners along their path to achieving the dream of safe home ownership. In my role as a 203k rehab consultant have helped many homebuyers navigate the complicated process of buying and renovating a home with a single mortgage- the FHA 203k Rehabilitation Mortgage.

(The following paragraph – in bold- may be omitted if it is felt a shorter email will achieve greater attention)

As a 203k consultant, I provide unbiased reporting before closing and as part of the underwriting of the loan the details of the work to be performed, the estimated cost of the project and assist the borrower in selecting the contractor who will complete these repairs from funds that are escrowed into the loan for disbursement after closing. On more than a few occasions, my skills in estimating work needed to ensure a safe sound home before closing and my expertise in evaluating work performed after closing have been critical to the success of the renovation project. I have saved many unsuspecting borrowers from potentially expensive and in some cases needless expenses and delays.

Now there are some mortgage companies and housing agencies who want to eliminate 203k consultants as a requirement for rehab loans altogether. This would be disastrous for so many of your constituents and my neighbors. Imagine how uneducated consumers could run the risk of massive and unnecessary repair cost over runs or mis-calculations not to mention possibly be taken advantage of by less than ethical contractors. Think how this could increase the foreclosure and abandonment rates in our communities if projects are unable to be completed because the scope of work was inaccurately estimated or improperly completed.

These groups complain that consultants are ineffective, unprofessional, incompetent, and even corrupt. While I am sure as in all professions this may be true, but as for me I can assure you that I am any thing but that. Additionally, I am a member of the National Association of FHA Consultants, a non-profit trade association that focuses on education, ethics, and professionalism in the world of rehab consultants.

I have not even mentioned my loss of business income as for me the most important element of this dilemma is how it would affect so many of our communities who truly need the help and support, I provide as a rehab consultant.

Please ensure that the vital role that consultants around the country and I perform does not get terminated. Don’t let a few bad apples spoil it for a whole bunch of homebuyer and homeowners.

Thank you for your consideration. I look forward to hearing from you soon.

Sincerely

NAME/TITLE/HUD ID #

Company Name

Address