Security bars on my home are not illegal, but can't refinance with them on my windows, options?

alexisse
Contributions:1

I'm trying to refinance my home, but I'm told that I have to have security bars (non latched) removed and have the appraiser take a picture of the windows before the refi can go through. Having these bars are not illegal unless they are on windows for a bedroom in my area. These bars do not block a bedroom, yet I'm being told that this is a requirement to go through on my fha to conventional refinance. I'm also being told that the bars can go right back up on the window after the appraiser takes pictures, but they must be removed from all 10 windows on my home (this will cost me $1500). Where can I find this rule (no non-latched security bars)? I don't see the point of removing them to satisfy some arbitrary point for the appraiser, especially if they don't care if I put them back on the windows right afterward. Is there some sort of waiver I can get. The lender has been unhelpful in this situation.

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June 22 2009 - Washington

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Answers (3)

System Administrator, "Support123"
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I agree with Gregorio, It will be far cheaper to move that loan and re-appraise than to go through the expense of re-tooling all of your windows. I've been doing loans in Washington for fifiteen years and I have never run into that issue yet. Sounds like a combination between an HVCC appraisal and an inflexible lender to me.

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June 22 2009

At this point, you are better off submitting to another lender. I have had multiple circumstances where a lender just did not want to lend on a property and that is within their right. They don't need a guideline, they just need to not want the associated risk. I had an incident with a diving platform over a pool. There was nothing wrong with it and it was perfectly legal, but the lender wanted a latching gate on it because it could be accessed from the 2nd floor patio. After further complications and the borrower even agreeing to install the gate, they still did not want to lend because they considered this a hazard. The remedy was to move the loan elsewhere and it closed. There is nothing that requires a lender to lend on a property if they don't want to.Cut your losses and find someone that does, no matter what you do, they will most likely decline this loan.

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June 22 2009

Andrew Adams, "RenovationSpecialist"
- (4 reviews)
Contributions:9405

All bedrooms must have adequate egress to the exterior of the home. If an enclosed patio (solid walls) covers the bedroom window, it is possible that the bedroom won't qualify as a habitable bedroom. Security bars are acceptable if they comply with local fire codes. Occupants of a bedroom must be able to get outside the home if there is a fire.

I would say the lender doesn't know what they are talking about..call the appraiser directly they may not know what they are talking about...You have to love HVCC