Renovation & Home Improvement Loans in St. Augustine Shores, FL

Many homes in and around St. Augustine Shores have good bones but dated kitchens, tired roofs or systems near the end of their life. A renovation loan lets you finance those improvements through your mortgage, either when you buy a fixer-upper or when you update the home you already own. This page compares FHA 203(k), conventional renovation loans and equity-based options available to Florida homeowners.

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Call to speak with a licensed loan officer about renovation loans in St. Augustine Shores. Programs vary by borrower, property and investor.

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Housing age and remodeling in St. Augustine Shores

20%Homes built before 1980

1990Median year built

702Home improvement loans in St. Johns County (2024)

$339,300Median home value

Older housing is common in St. Augustine Shores: 20% of homes predate 1980, and the median home was built in 1990. Lenders made 702 home improvement loans in St. Johns County in 2024.

FHA 203(k): limited and standard versions

The FHA 203(k) program lets you finance the purchase or refinance of a home together with the cost of repairs in a single FHA-insured mortgage. It comes in two versions.

The limited 203(k) is meant for smaller, non-structural projects such as new flooring, a kitchen update, a replacement furnace or fresh paint. The standard 203(k) handles larger work, including structural repairs, additions and major system replacements, and it requires a HUD-approved 203(k) consultant who inspects the home, writes up the work and oversees progress. Both versions follow FHA guidelines on property use and eligible improvements, and you may qualify subject to credit approval.

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Prefer to talk first? Call (888) 912-6746. Applying is not a loan approval or commitment to lend; programs vary by borrower, property and investor. ClearPoint Mortgage Advisors, NMLS #173855. Properties in FL, NY, NJ, PA, CT and VA only.

Conventional renovation loans and equity-based options

Not every remodel needs a dedicated renovation mortgage. Owners with plenty of equity often compare three alternatives. A home equity line of credit lets you borrow as bills come due. A home equity loan provides a lump sum up front. A cash-out refinance replaces the first mortgage and delivers the difference as cash.

Renovation-specific loans, whether FHA or conventional, tend to fit buyers of fixer-uppers or owners with limited current equity, because the loan is sized on the after-improvement value. Programs vary by borrower, property and investor, so ask a lender to lay out the options side by side.

Who this tends to fit

You want to address safety issues such as old wiring, lead paint or a failing roof
You are working with a licensed contractor who can provide itemized written bids
Your project includes structural repairs, an addition or a major system replacement
You are buying a fixer-upper that needs repairs before or soon after you move in
You have limited equity today but expect the improvements to raise the home's value

Local offices and Florida rules to know

Property assessment: St. Johns County Property Appraiser's Office.

Florida property tax relief: Owners who make a Florida property their permanent residence (or a dependent's) may qualify for the homestead exemption, applied for through the property appraiser in the county where the property is located.

Contractor bids, permits and older homes in St. Augustine Shores

The quality of your contractor bids shapes the entire loan. Vague estimates slow underwriting, while detailed, itemized bids from a licensed contractor make it easier for the appraiser to value the finished home and for the lender to release repair funds on schedule.

Homes built decades ago often need more than cosmetic work. Knob-and-tube wiring, old galvanized plumbing, asbestos or lead paint can expand a project once it begins. A contingency reserve helps absorb those discoveries. Pulling the right permits protects you at resale and is typically a condition of the loan, so confirm requirements with your local building department early.

Before you call

Information on local permits needed for the planned work
An estimate of how much contingency you want for surprises in an older home
Photos or inspection reports showing the current condition of the home
A list of the repairs and upgrades you want, ranked by priority
A purchase contract if you are buying, or your current mortgage statement if you own the home

Questions St. Augustine Shores borrowers ask about renovation loans

How are renovation funds paid to my contractor?

Repair money is usually placed in an escrow account at closing rather than handed to you directly. As the contractor completes portions of the work, they request payment, an inspection or consultant review confirms progress, and the lender releases funds. This protects you from paying for unfinished work and keeps the project tied to the budget approved in your loan.

Can I use a renovation loan on an investment property?

FHA 203(k) loans are generally limited to owner-occupied homes, including some two-to-four unit properties where you live in one unit. Conventional renovation loans may allow second homes or investment properties in some cases, subject to investor guidelines. Eligibility depends on the property type, how you plan to use it and your overall financial profile, so ask a lender which programs fit your situation.

Do I need permits for work financed with a renovation loan?

Usually, yes. Structural, electrical, plumbing, mechanical and roofing work typically requires permits from your local building department, and lenders often ask for proof before releasing funds. Unpermitted work can create problems with inspections, insurance and resale. Your contractor normally pulls permits, but you should confirm who is responsible in your contract and check local requirements before work begins.

Can I do the renovation work myself?

Most renovation programs require licensed and insured contractors for the bulk of the work, because the lender needs assurance that repairs are completed properly and on time. Some programs allow limited do-it-yourself work under specific conditions, but it is often restricted. If you plan to handle any part of the project yourself, raise it with the lender before you apply so you understand what is and is not allowed.

Talk to a licensed loan officer

Get answers about renovation loans for a home in or around St. Augustine Shores. Subject to credit approval; programs vary.