Access Loans (Rental)

Purpose

To provide federally insured construction and permanent financing for small scale affordable housing projects throughout New Mexico. It is designed to minimize transaction and due diligence costs and expedite processing for small projects.

Eligible Projects

New construction, substantial rehabilitation, refinancing or acquisition of projects having no less than five units per site. Detached, semi-detached, row houses or multifamily structures are eligible.

Eligible Borrowers

Single asset mortgagors, including nonprofit organizations, for-profit corporations, joint ventures, limited liability companies, and partnerships are eligible.

Ownership

Fee simple or renewable leasehold for at least 99 years, or government agency lease for at least 10 years beyond the end of the term of the loan are allowed.

Secondary Financing

MFA's mortgage must be the first lien on the property. Secondary financing is allowed, with MFA approval.

Loan Term

Permitted amortization periods of up to 35 years for existing properties and 40 years for new construction projects, plus up to 24 months for construction and lease up are typically available.

Interest Rates & Payments

Construction and permanent loan interest rates are set at loan closing or conversion. Payments are interest-only during construction, and amortization occurs over the remaining life of the loan beginning at conversion.

Maximum Loan Amount

The maximum is $2 million, adjusted as needed for a maximum loan to value ratio of 85% for existing projects and 90% for new construction, and for a total debt service coverage ratio of no less than 115%.

Prepayment

Prepayment is prohibited for the first 15 years and prepayment penalties will apply. Affordable use restrictions typically extend for 30 or more years.

Recourse Provisions

Loans may be non-recourse to the borrower, except for limited environmental indemnifications and in some cases, construction loan period guaranties.

Reserves

Requirements include latent defects reserve of 2.5% of initial loan amount; operating deficit reserve or sustaining occupancy prior to permanent loan conversion; and ongoing replacement reserve contributions.

Affordability Requirements

Owners must meet minimum set-aside requirements, (40% of the units for households with incomes at or below 60% of median income, or 20% for households with incomes at or below 50% of median income) as well as MFA's statutory income limit restrictions. Rents are set at 30% of the applicable income limit, adjusted for family size and utility costs.

Underwriting Approval

Approvals are conditioned upon MFA's satisfactory review of the appraisal, site and market analysis, development team capacity, design, rehabilitation and other development costs, affirmative fair housing marketing plans, operating budget and environmental reports. HUD Approvals are required for principals' previous participation, environmental and intergovernmental reviews. All Tax Credit projects are subject to subsidy layering review.

Forms and Reference Materials

Program Contact

Daniel Puccetti
Program Manager, Housing Development
Main: (505) 843-6880
Direct: (505) 767-2251
Toll free in New Mexico: (800) 444-6880