DSCR Loan: 40 Year vs 30 Year Loan

Are you trying to figure out which loan term is the best fit for your real estate investment? Let’s dive into the differences between a 40-year vs 30-year DSCR (Debt Service Coverage Ratio) loan and see how each can affect your cash flow and ability to qualify for more deals.

What’s the Difference Between a 40-Year and a 30-Year Loan?

30-Year Loan
The traditional 30-year mortgage is a common option for real estate investors. It allows you to spread your payments over 30 years, keeping monthly payments lower than shorter-term loans. You’ll still pay off some principal each month, which helps you build equity.

40-Year Loan
A 40-year DSCR loan stretches out the loan term even more. This lowers your monthly payments even further. This extra decade can make a big difference in your ability to qualify for a loan, especially if your rental income is close to the debt service.

Lower Payments = Better Cash Flow

One of the biggest advantages of a 40-year DSCR loan is the lower monthly payment. This is perfect for investors focused on improving cash flow. In today’s market, where rents might not always cover all expenses, having a lower monthly mortgage payment can be a game-changer.

Here’s an example:

• 30-Year Loan: A $250,000 loan at 6.65% interest results in monthly payments of $1,596.
• 40-Year Loan: A $250,000 loan at 6.9% interest results in monthly payments of $1,535.

While the interest rate is slightly higher on the 40-year loan, your monthly payment is lower. This extra cushion can help improve your DSCR ratio, making it easier to qualify for more properties.

Example: Does a 40-Year Loan Help You Qualify?

Let’s look at a real-world scenario. Say you have a property where the rent is $2,000 a month, and you’re looking at a loan of $250,000.

For a 30-year loan, your monthly payment of $1,596 plus taxes and insurance might leave you with around $246 for other expenses. This might not qualify for the best DSCR terms.

But with a 40-year loan, your payment drops to $1,535. Now, with taxes and insurance included, you’ve got a bit more breathing room to meet the DSCR ratio requirements and qualify for the loan.

Which Loan Is Best for You?

It comes down to your goals. If you want to pay off the loan faster and build equity quicker, the 30-year loan is a solid choice. But, if your main focus is qualifying for more properties or increasing cash flow, the 40-year loan might be a better fit.

Prepayment Penalties – What You Should Know

DSCR loans often come with prepayment penalties, meaning you can’t pay off the loan early without a fee. But, there are options to avoid these penalties:

• Zero Prepay: No prepayment penalty but a higher interest rate (about 1% higher).
• One-Year Prepay: A middle-ground option with a lower prepayment penalty.

Both options give you more flexibility if you expect to refinance soon as interest rates change.

Conclusion: What’s the Best Loan for You?

Choosing between a 40-year and a 30-year DSCR loan depends on your cash flow needs and your long-term strategy. If you want to maximize your cash flow and qualify for more deals, the 40-year loan could be the better option. On the other hand, if building equity faster is your goal, the 30-year loan will work for you.

If you have questions about how these loans fit into your investment strategy, feel free to leave a comment or visit our site, The Cash Flow Company, for more resources, like our DSCR calculator.

Watch our most recent video to find out more about: DSCR Loan: 40 Year vs 30 Year Loan