I'm Jeff Onofrio. I lead the Renovation Division at HMA Mortgage, which I built from the ground up. My team does one thing: we help buyers and homeowners finance houses that need work, using FHA 203k, Fannie Mae HomeStyle, Freddie Mac CHOICERenovation, and VA renovation loans.
Most loan officers rarely close renovation loans. The loans are harder than a standard mortgage. There's a contractor to vet, a scope of work to price, an as-completed appraisal, and a draw process that runs for months after closing. A lot can go wrong when the lender is learning on your file. We do these every day, and we administer the draws in-house, so the person who approved your project is also the one who makes sure your contractor gets paid.
Why Philadelphia
Philadelphia may be the best renovation-loan city on the East Coast. It has one of the oldest housing stocks in the country, block after block of 100-year-old rowhomes, and prices that still let a buyer purchase and fully renovate within FHA limits. Our office in Marlton is 20 minutes from Center City, and our team has financed renovation projects on both sides of the Delaware for years.
How we work
- A straight answer up front. In the first conversation, we'll tell you what you can buy, which program fits, and what could slow you down.
- Contractor support. We walk your contractor through the bid format and draw process before closing. Good contractors like working with us because they get paid on time.
- Every program, side by side. We price FHA, HomeStyle, and CHOICERenovation on the same house so you can see the real difference.
- We stay after closing. The renovation happens after closing. We manage draws, inspections, and change orders until the last payment is released.