DSCR Loan: How to Qualify for The Maximum Loan Amount

Many investors wonder how they can qualify for the maximum loan amount when using a BRRRR strategy or DSCR loan. When you are looking at a DSCR, there are two different qualifiers that you need to keep in mind. This includes the break even point and the LTV for the property. Whether you are using the DSCR loan for a BRRRR, refinance, or a purchase, it is important that you look at the qualifiers first. 

How much money can you get when using a DSCR loan?

The guidelines say that on a DSCR loan you can get 80% for a purchase or 75% to 80% for a refinance. Just to clarify, that means that you can get 75% to 80% of the current appraised value. While the DSCR guidelines say that you can receive that percentage, we always advise customers to hold off. We recommend that they wait because there are additional underwriting guidelines that need to be taken into consideration.One of which is a concern as to whether or not the property will qualify for 75%. Remember, DSCR loans are based on a ratio that indicates where the property breaks even. What does break even mean? Breaking even is determined by comparing the money coming into the property to the expenses. The expenses include the principal, interest, taxes, HOA, and flood. 

Each property is unique and each situation is unique.

A property appraised for $400K and the customer wants 75% cash out or rate and term. If their credit is good, property is good, and it is rented, then they could get 75%. However, we also have to determine whether or not the property breaks even. While it is appraised for $400K, is it bringing in $3K or $2K a month in rent? This amount can vary greatly depending on where the property is located and the current market. Each property is unique and each situation is different. Not only will the rents be different, but the taxes and insurance will be different as well. It is imperative that you run the numbers and find the DSCR ratio prior to purchasing. Now just imagine that the taxes and insurance are the same, but the rents are $1K off. The $2K rent is going to qualify for a smaller loan amount. 

Break even point and LTV go hand in hand.

Each property is different on where it can break even and the LTV you can get on the property. Even if the guidelines say 75% to 80%, we have to take into account the rents, credit score, and rate. The higher the rates, the higher the payment, and the faster you hit the threshold where you break even. When comparing a $300K property to a $200K property, maybe the $300K property gets 75% because their DSCR ratio is above 1. This is because the property is either breaking even or greater. However, the $200K would only get $250K because the property breaks even at that loan amount. Just to clarify, the $50K difference is not impacted by the customer’s credit score. It is dependent on the break even point.

Maximize your loan amount today!

In order to maximize your loan amount you need to understand your numbers beforehand! Whether or not you are purchasing, refinancing, or using the BRRRR strategy, you need to know what loan amounts will be available to you. For those using the BRRRR strategy, knowing your numbers ahead of time is going to be the key to your success. If you are using a DSCR, you need to make sure that the property qualifies based on rents so that you can refinance in the future. Don’t run the risk of being $50K short! Always keep in mind that each property is unique and every situation is different. Watch for our next video as we walk through the numbers to show different scenarios that will affect your maximum loan amount.

Do you have a property that you would like to run the numbers on? Contact us today to see what your DSCR ratio would be for your next property. 

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