703.02

Underwriting

703.02A

Appraised Value and Underwriting Value

Requirements

In addition to the AppraisalAppraisalWritten statement independently and impartially prepared by a qualified appraiser stating an opinion of the market value of the Property as of a specific date, supported by the presentation and analysis of relevant market information. requirements in Part II, Chapter 2: Valuation and Income, Section 201.02: Appraisal, you must:

  • Include 2 separate opinions of the Appraised ValueAppraised ValueAppraiser’s opinion of the market value of the Property documented in the Appraisal, on an “as is” basis, unless use of an “as completed” basis is specifically permitted by the Guide. based on:
    • Restricted ValueRestricted ValueAppraised Value assuming a Property's Affordable Regulatory Agreement is in effect.  from the Affordable Regulatory AgreementAffordable Regulatory AgreementRegulatory, land use, extended use, or similar agreement or recorded restriction limiting rents, imposing maximum income restrictions on tenants, or placing other affordability restrictions on the use or occupancy of the Property (whether imposed by a government entity or self-imposed by a Borrower…, using
      • comparable multifamily rental properties,
      • the PropertyPropertyMultifamily residential property securing the Mortgage Loan and including the land (or Leasehold interest in land), Improvements, and personal property (as defined in the Uniform Commercial Code). ’s submarket,
      • properties with similar rent or income restrictions, and
      • any tax abatements or exemptions.
    • Unrestricted ValueUnrestricted ValueAppraised Value assuming a Property's Affordable Regulatory Agreement is not in effect. from the PropertyPropertyMultifamily residential property securing the Mortgage Loan and including the land (or Leasehold interest in land), Improvements, and personal property (as defined in the Uniform Commercial Code). ’s income and expenses without the Affordable Regulatory AgreementAffordable Regulatory AgreementRegulatory, land use, extended use, or similar agreement or recorded restriction limiting rents, imposing maximum income restrictions on tenants, or placing other affordability restrictions on the use or occupancy of the Property (whether imposed by a government entity or self-imposed by a Borrower… (e.g., market rents, occupancy, and operating expenses), using
      • comparable multifamily market rate rental properties,
      • the PropertyPropertyMultifamily residential property securing the Mortgage Loan and including the land (or Leasehold interest in land), Improvements, and personal property (as defined in the Uniform Commercial Code). ’s submarket, and
      • full taxes if rental income restrictions are required by a tax abatement or exemption.
  • Ensure that each Appraised ValueAppraised ValueAppraiser’s opinion of the market value of the Property documented in the Appraisal, on an “as is” basis, unless use of an “as completed” basis is specifically permitted by the Guide. is based on a market cap rate without any upward or downward adjustment for:
    • special financing (other than adjusted cap rates for Credit Enhancement Mortgage LoansCredit Enhancement Mortgage LoansMortgage Loan financed by a Bond issuance where Fannie Mae provides credit enhancement by a Credit Enhancement Instrument, or an MBS for Bonds. ); or
    • tax credit benefits.
  • Determine the appropriate Appraised ValueAppraised ValueAppraiser’s opinion of the market value of the Property documented in the Appraisal, on an “as is” basis, unless use of an “as completed” basis is specifically permitted by the Guide. for the Underwriting ValueUnderwriting ValueValue of the Property determined by the Lender to size the Mortgage Loan per Part II, Chapter 2: Valuation and Income, Section 201: Market and Valuation. per Part II, Chapter 2: Valuation and Income, Section 201: Market and Valuation.
703.02B

Market Study

Requirements

If the PropertyPropertyMultifamily residential property securing the Mortgage Loan and including the land (or Leasehold interest in land), Improvements, and personal property (as defined in the Uniform Commercial Code). is subject to a HAPHAPHUD project-based Section 8 rental subsidy in the form of a Housing Assistance Payment contract. contract that will expire before the Mortgage LoanMortgage LoanMortgage debt obligation evidenced, or when made will be evidenced, by the Loan Documents or a mortgage debt obligation with a Fannie Mae credit enhancement. Maturity DateMaturity DateDate all amounts due and owing under the Mortgage Loan become fully due and payable per the Loan Documents. , you must include a market study (which can be part of the AppraisalAppraisalWritten statement independently and impartially prepared by a qualified appraiser stating an opinion of the market value of the Property as of a specific date, supported by the presentation and analysis of relevant market information. ) that:

  • is prepared by a qualified real estate professional; and
  • identifies the absorption rate, lease-up period, and rent level for comparable market rate rental properties in the submarket.
703.02C

Affordable Regulatory Agreement Restrictions

Guidance

To underwrite the Mortgage LoanMortgage LoanMortgage debt obligation evidenced, or when made will be evidenced, by the Loan Documents or a mortgage debt obligation with a Fannie Mae credit enhancement. as an MAH PropertyMAH PropertyProperty encumbered by a regulatory agreement, land use restriction agreement, extended use agreement, or similar restriction that limits rents that can be charged to tenants, or imposes income limits on tenants. , the Affordable Regulatory AgreementAffordable Regulatory AgreementRegulatory, land use, extended use, or similar agreement or recorded restriction limiting rents, imposing maximum income restrictions on tenants, or placing other affordability restrictions on the use or occupancy of the Property (whether imposed by a government entity or self-imposed by a Borrower… restrictions should remain in effect for the term of the Mortgage LoanMortgage LoanMortgage debt obligation evidenced, or when made will be evidenced, by the Loan Documents or a mortgage debt obligation with a Fannie Mae credit enhancement. .

Requirements

When the Affordable Regulatory AgreementAffordable Regulatory AgreementRegulatory, land use, extended use, or similar agreement or recorded restriction limiting rents, imposing maximum income restrictions on tenants, or placing other affordability restrictions on the use or occupancy of the Property (whether imposed by a government entity or self-imposed by a Borrower… restrictions have 3 or more years remaining but will expire before the Mortgage LoanMortgage LoanMortgage debt obligation evidenced, or when made will be evidenced, by the Loan Documents or a mortgage debt obligation with a Fannie Mae credit enhancement. Maturity DateMaturity DateDate all amounts due and owing under the Mortgage Loan become fully due and payable per the Loan Documents. , you must provide support to underwrite to the MAHMAHProperty encumbered by a regulatory agreement, land use restriction agreement, extended use agreement, or similar restriction that limits rents that can be charged to tenants, or imposes income limits on tenants. PreservationPreservationRenewal or continuation of rent, income and/or occupancy restrictions on multifamily rental housing eligible as an MAH Property, but is potentially at risk of being lost from the affordable housing inventory through conversion to market-rate housing, and is not receiving new LIHTCs. standards in the Form 4660Form 4660Multifamily Underwriting Standards identifying Pre-Review Mortgage Loans and containing the minimum underwriting requirements (e.g., debt service coverage ratio, loan to value ratio, interest only, underwriting floors, etc.) for all Mortgage Loans. , taking into account factors such as:

  • restricted rents below market rate rents;
  • the PropertyPropertyMultifamily residential property securing the Mortgage Loan and including the land (or Leasehold interest in land), Improvements, and personal property (as defined in the Uniform Commercial Code). ’s history of operating as an MAH PropertyMAH PropertyProperty encumbered by a regulatory agreement, land use restriction agreement, extended use agreement, or similar restriction that limits rents that can be charged to tenants, or imposes income limits on tenants. ;
  • the BorrowerBorrowerPerson who is the obligor per the Note. ’s history and experience owning and operating MAHMAHProperty encumbered by a regulatory agreement, land use restriction agreement, extended use agreement, or similar restriction that limits rents that can be charged to tenants, or imposes income limits on tenants. PropertiesPropertiesMultifamily residential property securing the Mortgage Loan and including the land (or Leasehold interest in land), Improvements, and personal property (as defined in the Uniform Commercial Code). ;
  • the BorrowerBorrowerPerson who is the obligor per the Note. ’s intention to renew the Affordable Regulatory AgreementAffordable Regulatory AgreementRegulatory, land use, extended use, or similar agreement or recorded restriction limiting rents, imposing maximum income restrictions on tenants, or placing other affordability restrictions on the use or occupancy of the Property (whether imposed by a government entity or self-imposed by a Borrower…;
  • the amount of time between the Maturity DateMaturity DateDate all amounts due and owing under the Mortgage Loan become fully due and payable per the Loan Documents. and when the Affordable Regulatory AgreementAffordable Regulatory AgreementRegulatory, land use, extended use, or similar agreement or recorded restriction limiting rents, imposing maximum income restrictions on tenants, or placing other affordability restrictions on the use or occupancy of the Property (whether imposed by a government entity or self-imposed by a Borrower… restrictions expire;
  • market strength; and
  • how the PropertyPropertyMultifamily residential property securing the Mortgage Loan and including the land (or Leasehold interest in land), Improvements, and personal property (as defined in the Uniform Commercial Code). compares to comparable market rate properties in terms of occupancy, condition, and amenities if the BorrowerBorrowerPerson who is the obligor per the Note. intends to convert the PropertyPropertyMultifamily residential property securing the Mortgage Loan and including the land (or Leasehold interest in land), Improvements, and personal property (as defined in the Uniform Commercial Code). to market rate rents and if no rent advantage exists.

See Part III, Chapter 7: Multifamily Affordable Housing Properties, Section 702.01: Eligible Characteristics and Underwriting regarding self-imposed restrictions.

703.02D

35-Year Amortization

Requirements

If you use a 35-year amortization term, the:

  • PropertyPropertyMultifamily residential property securing the Mortgage Loan and including the land (or Leasehold interest in land), Improvements, and personal property (as defined in the Uniform Commercial Code). must have LIHTCsLIHTCsFederal program offering tax credits to owners of eligible properties that contain low-income occupants and rent restrictions. with at least 8 years remaining in the initial 15-year compliance period; and
  • minimum MAHMAHProperty encumbered by a regulatory agreement, land use restriction agreement, extended use agreement, or similar restriction that limits rents that can be charged to tenants, or imposes income limits on tenants. Mortgage LoanMortgage LoanMortgage debt obligation evidenced, or when made will be evidenced, by the Loan Documents or a mortgage debt obligation with a Fannie Mae credit enhancement. term must equal the greater of
    • the remaining initial compliance period, and
    • 10 years.
703.02E

LIHTC Income Averaging

Guidance

When a SponsorSponsorPrincipal equity owner and/or primary decision maker of the Borrower (often the Key Principal or the Person Controlling the Key Principal). elects LIHTC Income AveragingLIHTC Income AveragingInternal Revenue Code Section 42 election allowing LIHTC property owners to rent units to households earning up to 80% of AMI, provided a minimum of 40% of the residential units are both rent-restricted and occupied by households with a maximum income up to an average of 60% of AMI, and the… for a PropertyPropertyMultifamily residential property securing the Mortgage Loan and including the land (or Leasehold interest in land), Improvements, and personal property (as defined in the Uniform Commercial Code). with new LIHTCsLIHTCsFederal program offering tax credits to owners of eligible properties that contain low-income occupants and rent restrictions. , you should consider:

  • Will LIHTC Income AveragingLIHTC Income AveragingInternal Revenue Code Section 42 election allowing LIHTC property owners to rent units to households earning up to 80% of AMI, provided a minimum of 40% of the residential units are both rent-restricted and occupied by households with a maximum income up to an average of 60% of AMI, and the… impact other non-LIHTCLIHTCFederal program offering tax credits to owners of eligible properties that contain low-income occupants and rent restrictions. regulatory agreements?
  • Is LIHTC Income AveragingLIHTC Income AveragingInternal Revenue Code Section 42 election allowing LIHTC property owners to rent units to households earning up to 80% of AMI, provided a minimum of 40% of the residential units are both rent-restricted and occupied by households with a maximum income up to an average of 60% of AMI, and the… compatible with other funding and subsidy source requirements, including any project-based HAPHAPHUD project-based Section 8 rental subsidy in the form of a Housing Assistance Payment contract. contract?
  • Has LIHTC Income AveragingLIHTC Income AveragingInternal Revenue Code Section 42 election allowing LIHTC property owners to rent units to households earning up to 80% of AMI, provided a minimum of 40% of the residential units are both rent-restricted and occupied by households with a maximum income up to an average of 60% of AMI, and the… been approved by the
    • state agency, and
    • LIHTCLIHTCFederal program offering tax credits to owners of eligible properties that contain low-income occupants and rent restrictions. investor or syndicator?
  • Will the on-site PropertyPropertyMultifamily residential property securing the Mortgage Loan and including the land (or Leasehold interest in land), Improvements, and personal property (as defined in the Uniform Commercial Code). management staff have sufficient experience?
  • Will the unit mix be impacted, including
    • unit parity,
    • multi-building election,
    • floating units, and
    • market rate units?
  • What is the rent advantage, especially for units above 60% of AMI?
  • For a Forward CommitmentForward CommitmentCommitment to purchase a permanent Mortgage Loan for a to-be constructed or rehabilitated Property. ,
    • is the PropertyPropertyMultifamily residential property securing the Mortgage Loan and including the land (or Leasehold interest in land), Improvements, and personal property (as defined in the Uniform Commercial Code). not a resyndication of a property previously developed or preserved using LIHTCsLIHTCsFederal program offering tax credits to owners of eligible properties that contain low-income occupants and rent restrictions. and subject to an existing extended use agreement, or
    • if the PropertyPropertyMultifamily residential property securing the Mortgage Loan and including the land (or Leasehold interest in land), Improvements, and personal property (as defined in the Uniform Commercial Code). is a resyndication, have you confirmed the property has completed its extended use period?
  • Does the market study include capture rates for each unit designation supporting LIHTC Income AveragingLIHTC Income AveragingInternal Revenue Code Section 42 election allowing LIHTC property owners to rent units to households earning up to 80% of AMI, provided a minimum of 40% of the residential units are both rent-restricted and occupied by households with a maximum income up to an average of 60% of AMI, and the…?

Requirements

You must identify and mitigate any risks from electing LIHTC Income AveragingLIHTC Income AveragingInternal Revenue Code Section 42 election allowing LIHTC property owners to rent units to households earning up to 80% of AMI, provided a minimum of 40% of the residential units are both rent-restricted and occupied by households with a maximum income up to an average of 60% of AMI, and the…. 

703.02F

Initial LIHTC Equity

Requirements

For any MAH PropertyMAH PropertyProperty encumbered by a regulatory agreement, land use restriction agreement, extended use agreement, or similar restriction that limits rents that can be charged to tenants, or imposes income limits on tenants. with new LIHTCsLIHTCsFederal program offering tax credits to owners of eligible properties that contain low-income occupants and rent restrictions. , you must ensure at least 20% of the aggregate LIHTCLIHTCFederal program offering tax credits to owners of eligible properties that contain low-income occupants and rent restrictions. equity that the LIHTCLIHTCFederal program offering tax credits to owners of eligible properties that contain low-income occupants and rent restrictions. investor or syndicator must contribute into the limited partnership is received on or before the Mortgage Loan Origination DateMortgage Loan Origination DateDate you fund a Mortgage Loan to the Borrower. .

703.02G

Developer Fees

Guidance

You should analyze the development budget, including the

  • developer fee due the SponsorSponsorPrincipal equity owner and/or primary decision maker of the Borrower (often the Key Principal or the Person Controlling the Key Principal). or any AffiliateAffiliateWhen referring to an affiliate of a Lender, any other Person or entity that Controls, is Controlled by, or is under common Control with, the Lender. When referring to an affiliate of a Borrower or Key Principal: any Person that owns any direct ownership interest in Borrower or Key…, and
  • any deferred developer fee (i.e., the portion of the developer fee shown as a source in the sources and uses statement).

If the deferred developer fee is greater than 50% of the total developer fee, you should confirm there are sufficient

  • hard and soft contingency budgets, and
  • projected surplus cash flows to repay the deferred developer fee within the initial compliance period.
703.02H

Rent-Stabilized Units

Guidance

Refer to Part II, Chapter 2: Valuation and Income, Section 205: Rent-Stabilized Properties regarding rent-stabilized MAH PropertyMAH PropertyProperty encumbered by a regulatory agreement, land use restriction agreement, extended use agreement, or similar restriction that limits rents that can be charged to tenants, or imposes income limits on tenants. units.