Check out the forums at oldhouseweb.com. Search for "203k". There's been lots of discussion about this type and other rehab loans.

kroer2016 I'm thinking that the furniture and accessories is available for purchase by the homeowners, but it really is just for staging. I agree about the budget. It always ends up that they misquote because they conveniently find something major wrong. I would never agree to such a purchase without a home inspection and knowing ALL the details possible up front. ******************************************************** Yes, the finished hse is staged for the show and HO's can purchase the items if they chose. If Jo commissions something from a vendor like Clint, that is a gift from FU Curious, other than a piece of furniture, does anybody know what the HO's appearing on the show get financially? On HH Reno, they get $25,000 towards the reno. I'll bet dollars to donuts the home has been inspected and any issues that come up are reality show drama. As an aside - do you notice how often they say 'You know'?

after seeing it again, I'd do some really nice landscaping that includes a walkway right up the center to the porch. doesn't have to be brick, but do it some sort of hardscape material so that it's a visual addition. (maybe a solid, darker cobble or something) could be something simple looking, or edged w/some brick That, coupled w/a new roof (in a solid color like a dark gray) might be enough so that the brick doesn't look so chaotic. for the flower bed under the windows, do something consistent so as not to compete w/the busy brick

In this situation, an inspection contingency will give you the option to walk away based on the results. If you use it to try and negotiate the purchase price, the seller will remember that they had multiple offers to begin with and will likely choose to tell you to pound sand so that they can re-list and go with another buyer. If I were in your shoes, either choose not to offer or offer a price you'd feel comfortable paying no matter the inspection results.