Your Home Improvement Journey 

Step 1

Determining if you are Eligible

Are you eligible for the program?  Clarifi is here to help you figure it out.  

Call us at 215-866-5200 and we will work you through the pre-eligibility steps including what you need to submit to us for verification, including:  

  • Last 2 pay stubs
  • Proof of all income sources (If you do not have this, we can help you obtain)
  • Household size affidavit (We provide this to you)
  • Additional income documents if it applies (For example, a Social Security award letter) 

We may have to ask you for additional information and documents depending on you personal situation.

 

Step 2

Submitting your Loan Application

If you are pre-eligible, Clarifi will give you the Restore, Repair, Renew financial institutions that you can select from to apply for your home improvement loan.

The lenders will provide you with their document needs and processes.

 

 

 

Step 3

Getting Home Repair Estimates

In order to preserve your most important asset, Clarifi will work with you after pre-qualification from the lender to figure out the home repairs you need and the repairs you want. 

  • Clarifi will send out a professional  to perform a home assessment.  You will get a copy of this to use as a guide for your repairs. 
  • Contractors providing estimates must be licensed.  If you do not have contractors, Clarifi can provide a list who have asked to be a part of this program, who have the proper licenses required for the program by the City.  
  • Clarifi can provide you with direction on how to select a contractor and review an estimate.
  • When you decide on a contractor's estimate, Clarifi will submit estimates to your lender. 

 

Helpful Information 

 

Step 4

Home Repairs Begin

After the bank reviews final estimates and provides you with loan documentation, your work can begin.  Clarifi will assist you with timing the work and assisting you with best practices for the work being done in your home including: 

  • What to expect
  • Scheduling
  • How to communicate with contractors 
Step 5

Repairs Completed

Congratulations on your home repair!   You have preserved your home, health ...

Don't forget:

  • Contact your lender to let them know the repair is complete so they can get an inspector out to ensure our contractor is paid
  • Are their warranties on the workmanship, parts, appliances or materials?

Resources

Housing Utilities Assistance
Housing Rental
Housing Repairs
FAQs
How do I know how many contractors I need, and what type?

If you are unsure of which contractors to call, a Clarifi team member can help you identify which types of contractors to call for which home repairs. 

I have been told I have met pre-eligibility with Clarifi, but now the lender is saying I have too much debt.

One of Clarifi's financial counselors can help you plan and manage your debt to become eligible for the program. We have financial health and wellness programs and coaching that can get your debt-to-income ratio on track for the program.

I need repairs done, but was planning on buying things on my credit card for the house too; will that affect my ability to get this loan?

It may – it depends on a number of factors like credit score, debt to income ratios and credit utilization; Clarifi can help you sort out how to best manage your credit to ensure it does not jeopardize your loan.

I submitted documents to Clarifi and now the bank is asking for more, why?

The items needed to determine if you can be pre-approved for a loan are different, though a few overlap, than what Clarifi needs to determine pre-eligibility.

I was pre-approved, but my lender denied me because of my title. Why?

Your lender can issue a conditional loan pre-approval prior to a detailed title review. Often the issue that comes up after a conditional pre-approval on a title is one that Clarifi can help you resolve so your loan can move forward.

My home's deed/title is not in my name or lists the name of a deceased relative, or a person who is does not live in the house as a primary residence.

If we are not able to help you in-house with our knowledge of these issues, Clarifi can help direct you to resources.

My house needs more repairs than my pre-approved loan amount can cover.

Clarifi can work with you to identify other programs or grants that can leverage your loan dollars.  Clarifi can also work with you to determine which projects are a priority for the health of your home as well the occupants.

What are the program's Minimum Home Quality Standards?

Minimum Home Quality Standards means your home is safe, warm and dry (they are specific but general):

  • DRY: your roof and walls are free of holes that let in rain, moisture, or pests; your plumbing is free of leaks
  • WARM: your windows can open and close securely, your furnace and water heater work
  • SAFE: your exterior doors lock, your lights turn on, your stairs and floors are free of trip hazards, there are no structural issues that are dangerous, your home is free of a pest infestation, your air and water are not contaminated, and you have smoke detectors on each floor.
What do I need to tell contractors?

They will need to submit a written itemized estimate that include a 10% contingency; a maximum of 30% deposit.  Be prepared to submit a certificate of insurance, have City of State licensure and that all projects need to end at approximately the same time.

What is the difference between Pre-Eligibility, Eligibility and Pre-Qualified?

Clarifi is responsible for determining eligibility for Restore Repair Renew. There are a few items we cannot access but the lenders can for instance, access a Title Report, thus we say you are Pre-Eligible. The Lender will determine final Eligibility for the Program.  The Lender also determines “lendability” and thus Pre-Qualification for the loan.

What is the Home Assessment?

Clarifi will send out a home assessor to go though your home and look for and document minimum housing standards set for the program. The assessor will also list and note repairs or changes that you want. You will receive a copy of this report and Clarifi will walk through it with you to ensure you understand your home needs.

Where do contractors for the program come from?

You can use contractor(s) you are familiar with so long as they have the required licensure.  Clarifi also maintains a list of contractors who have asked us to share their information with people looking for repairs through the Restore Repair Renew Program, and we can share that list with you.