Tag Archive for: DSCR loan

DSCR Loan: Can I Buy Down My Rate?

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DSCR Loan: Can I Buy Down My Rate?

Many investors ask whether or not they can buy down their rate when using a DSCR loan. The answer is yes! This is one of the many options available for investors who are searching for a DSCR loan. It is important to find the best one for your property to not only create greater cash flow, but create wealth as well. While rents are increasing, they are thankfully not increasing very fast. However, rates are still high and are falling between 7 and 8. These are the times when you really need to work your numbers and products in order to find the right DSCR loan for your rental property.  

Are you above the break even point for DSCR ratios?

A DSCR loan has always been a 30 year product, meaning that it is amortized over 30 years. However, there are other options out there that will typically give you the benefit of qualifying. Here at The Cash Flow Company, we typically see people who are just below the break even point on DSCR ratios. Just to clarify, the break even point on DSCR ratios is normally 1 or 1.1 depending on the lender. 

How do you change the numbers in your favor?

Many investors are wondering how they can change their numbers even when rents, taxes, and insurance are not going to change. In order to make an impact on your numbers you are going to have to change your interest rate, look at interest only loans, or find a 40 year product. By looking outside of the typical 30 year box, you will be able to find a number that fits your property. 

Let’s look at buying down your rate.

Buying down your rate means that you are paying an extra point, which is 1% of your loan to the lender in order to get a better rate. A better rate would be a better payment, and which would allow you to qualify.

Loan amount $250K
Net Rent $1,725
Pay down interest (1%)  7.35%
Monthly payment  $1,722
Break even point (Rents – Monthly payment) $3 under

While there is not much cash flow right now, it does allow investors to get into the property. It also creates an opportunity to build an asset. 

Set yourself up for success.

There is no reason to get into real estate investing unless you are creating wealth by creating cash flow. Just to clarify, creating wealth is setting yourself up for long term success. On the other hand, cash flow is what you are creating right now. It is important that you not only look at making the right moves now, but also understand how everything will line up for the future. For example, a property that was purchased for $25K 20 years ago is now worth $400K. There is a lot of money to be made in real estate investing. Set yourself up for success by going through the numbers and focusing on finding the best product. 

Start looking for the best product for you!

Now is the time to look into different products to see which is best for you and your property. By buying down your rate you will have the opportunity to create the cash flow you need to succeed. Here at The Cash Flow Company we want to help you find the best product for you! Contact us today to walk through the numbers.

Watch our most recent video to find out more about DSCR Loan: Can I Buy Down My Rate?

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DSCR Loan Options: Interest-Only

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DSCR Loan Options: Interest-Only

Today we are going to explore the interest only DSCR loan option. It is important that people look at all of their options when they are searching for a DSCR loan in order to find the best one for your property. While rents are increasing, they are thankfully not increasing very fast. However, rates are still high and are falling between 7 and 8. These are the times when you really need to work your numbers and products in order to find the right DSCR loan for your rental property.  

Are you above the break even point for DSCR ratios?

A DSCR loan has always been a 30 year product, meaning that it is amortized over 30 years. However, there are other options out there that will typically give you the benefit of qualifying. Here at The Cash Flow Company, we typically see people who are just below the break even point on DSCR ratios. Just to clarify, the break even point on DSCR ratios is normally 1 or 1.1 depending on the lender. 

How do you change the numbers in your favor?

Many investors are wondering how they can change their numbers even when rents, taxes, and insurance are not going to change. In order to make an impact on your numbers you are going to have to change your interest rate, look at interest only loans, or find a 40 year product. By looking outside of the typical 30 year box, you will be able to find a number that fits your property. 

Let’s look at an interest only loan.

An interest only DSCR loan means that you are only paying the interest on the property for a period of time during that loan. Normally these loans are available for 5, 7, or 10 years. While you’re not paying down on the property, you are instead creating the cash flow you need to qualify. 

Loan amount $250K
Net Rent $1,725
Interest only loan 7.65%
Monthly payment $1,594
Break even point (Rents – Monthly payment) + $131

On this property, the expenses are under the break even point by $131. For an interest only loan this property would qualify because it is cash flowing. 

Set yourself up for success.

There is no reason to get into real estate investing unless you are creating wealth by creating cash flow. Just to clarify, creating wealth is setting yourself up for long term success, while cash flow is what you are creating right now. It is important that you not only look at making the right moves now, but also understand how everything will line up for the future. For example, a property that was purchased for $25K 20 years ago is now worth $400K. There is a lot of money to be made in real estate investing. Set yourself up for success by going through the numbers and focusing on finding the best product. 

There is a downside.

By using an interest only loan or an amortized loan you will be paying it down slower. However, over time the property will go up in value. This helps to balance things back out when the time comes to sell the property. In these different times you have to use different strategies in order to be successful. For example, when rates are a little higher, you need to find a product that will break even or better yet cash flow. When the rates go back down you can then refinance it and get a better payment. Keep in mind that  what may appear as a downside now, could be beneficial later as long as the property breaks even.

Start looking for the best product for you!

Now is the time to look into different products to see which is best for you and your property. By using an interest only DSCR loan you will create the cash flow you need to succeed. Here at The Cash Flow Company we want to help you find the best product for you! Contact us today to walk through the numbers.

Watch our most recent video to find out more about DSCR Loan Options: Interest-Only

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What Makes a DSCR Loan Easy for Investors

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What Makes a DSCR Loan Easy for Investors

Are you looking for a loan that is easy to qualify for with very few requirements? Then we have your solution. We call it the Easy Rental Loan, but other lenders in the industry call it a DSCR loan. A DSCR is also known as a debt service coverage ratio loan, measures your ability to cash flow in order to pay your monthly costs. There are two key items that you need in order to qualify for a DSCR loan. Let’s take a look.

Two key items for the Easy Rental Loan are:

  1. A decent credit score
  2. A lease that covers the monthly cost of your property

The Monthly costs include

  1. Mortgage payment
  2. Property taxes
  3. Insurance
  4. HOA fee

Benefits of the Easy Rental Loan:

If your property positively cash flows, meaning that you make more than you spend on the property, then you can qualify for an easy rental loan. Better yet, you can still qualify for affordable, long term fixed rates with a 30 year fixed term. 

What makes the Easy Rental Loan Easy:

A DSCR loan makes it easy for investors to apply and qualify. You don’t have to worry about submitting tax returns, being in business for two or more years, or having too many financed properties. It really doesn’t get easier than that

Contact us today!

So if you’re looking for a fast, efficient, and easy solution to fund your rental properties, then look no further. We have the easy rental loan waiting for you.

Ready to chat? Great! Our team here at The Cash Flow Company is here to help. We are eager to set you on a path that helps you make the kind of money you need to live the life you want.

Watch our most recent clip to find out more about the Easy Rental Loan.

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From Denial to Approval: Credit and Interest Explained

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From Denial to Approval: Credit and Interest Explained

Our goal today is to show how interest rates, credit scores, and LTV can affect your ability to not only qualify for a loan, but also to cash flow on the property. As a result, investors are walking a very fine line between being denied or approved for a loan. Learn how to shift from denial to approval today!

Type of property Purchase price Appraisal 

average 

rents in area 

 Amount down Financing 

30 year loan

 Fees

Taxes

Insurance

HOA

 DSCR 

(LTV) 
Rental $250k $1,950 20% 80%

($200K loan) 

 $300 75%
Credit Score DSCR rate Payment amount 

principle and interest

 Payment amount plus fees  Cash flow 

based on appraisal 
Client 1 680 9.75% $1,718 $2,018 -$68.00
Client 2 720 8.99% $1,608 $1,908 +$42.00
Client 3 780 8.75% $1,573 $1,873 +77.00

The power of credit scores.

Your credit scores not only affect your rates, but they also will impact your cash flow on the property. Do you need to raise your credit score in order to qualify? We can help you get your credit scores back on track with our 911 loan. Contact us today to find out more. As credit scores go up, you will be able to not only capture more monthly income, but you will also create wealth.

How do rates affect cash flow?

As rates continue to rise, your payments are going to increase as well. This in turn causes your cash flow to suffer, and in most cases it will be a negative. Cash flow positive on the other hand, means that there are going to be more properties available for more investors. So keep your eye out for this change!

Rates are decreasing!

Over the past three weeks rates have been decreasing. We may be at the peak right now and many are predicting that rates are going to significantly drop in 2024. It is imperative that you stay up to date and keep track of current trends. We have created a Weekly Investor Mortgage Report for you! Reach out through our website or email to find out more.

Keep increasing your leverage!

In real estate investing leverage is the key to success. It is what makes your wealth and creates your income. By using banks, other people’s money, and filling your leverage buckets, you will set yourself up for success.  

In Conclusion.

This example paints a very clear picture showing how 3 different people compare side by side on the same property. Nowadays, investors can either be denied or approved just based on their credit score, or where the markets are. While being denied is discouraging, it is important that you understand why you didn’t qualify in order to make a change. If you want to impact where you are and where you are going in 2024, then check out our website. We have a lot of ways to positively impact your credit, as well as a weekly newsletter. We are here to help you get on the path to success. 

Watch our most recent video to find out more on How High Interest Rates Impact Real Estate Investments.

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DSCR Loan Calculator: Understanding Monthly Payments

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Looking at a DSCR loan calculator and wondering what numbers you need to plug in to make everything come out even? 

If you’re new to the DSCR game, you’ve likely heard people talking about the DSCR ratio and how that number helps you set rents. But how do you actually calculate all of that? 

There are quite a few numbers that go into calculating a DSCR ratio (which is then often used to calculate rents).

What is a DSCR Ratio?

A DSCR ratio is simply the break even point. 

Essentially, you start by adding up all of your monthly expenses (mortgage payments, taxes, insurance, HOA fees, etc.). If you compare that number to the amount you’re charging for rents and those numbers are the same (you’re putting out and bringing in the same $$ amount), then you have a DSCR ratio of 1.

You never want a DSCR below 1 (spending more than you’re bringing in). However, a ratio of 1 simply means that you’re breaking even. In other words, you’re not actually making money unless you can raise the ratio (and raise rents) in order to bring in more money than you’re spending.

Lenders like to see positive cash flow, so it’s typically good to aim for a DSCR ratio of 1.25. That means you’ll make 25% more than you’re spending. 

How To Calculate Monthly Loan Payments

One of the most significant outflows of cash is the loan payment. In addition to fixed costs (think taxes, insurance, etc.), these payments are a significant factor of a DSCR plan. Once we know how much money is going out every month, we can figure out how much we need coming in.

The property in our example cost $250K and the investor paid a 20% down payment. 

  • Purchase Price = $250,000
  • Down Payment = 20%
  • 30-Year Fixed-Rate (8.5%) DSCR Loan = $200,000

The easiest way to calculate your monthly payments is to use a calculator designed for these numbers. We recommend using a site like calculator.net and selecting their amortization calculator. 

You can plug in the numbers, and it will do the work for you.

Once you plug in the numbers and hit calculate, you’ll see that your monthly loan payments are just under $1,538.

Updated Monthly Costs:

  • Fixed Costs Approximate Estimate = $450
  • Approximate Loan Payments = $1,538
  • Total = $1,988

Now that you know all of the money you’re paying each month, you know that to hit a DSCR ratio of 1, you’ll need to have rents of at least $1,988 in order to break even.

When working with your DSCR loan calculator, the monthly payments are a critical component to set you up for success.

 

Read the full article here.

Watch the full video here:

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How to Calculate DSCR Loan Amount

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How can you use the DSCR ratio to calculate DSCR loan amounts?

When getting into the DSCR game, it’s important to run some numbers on the front end to evaluate potential deals. 

How do you know if your property is going to meet DSCR requirements? What’s the minimum loan you’ll need, and what’s the maximum you can shop for the purchase price?

Easy. Start with the DSCR ratio, and then walk through these steps to figure out your payments.

Calculating DSCR Loans

1. Figure Out Local Rents

Using resources like Zillow or rent.com, you can look around to find standard rents for your area. This is the first step in getting future estimates (such as loan total, purchase price, etc.). 

Don’t start spending money before calculating whether or not you’ll actually be able to pay those costs back.

Let’s say standard rent in the area is around $2,500. This means that, in order to break even, we need to keep all of our monthly expenses below that $2,500. 

  • Rents = $2,500
  • Expenses ≦ $2,500

2. Monthly Expenses

For this example property, there are three monthly expenses. Taxes, insurance, and HOA fees. Other properties might have additional insurance or fees, so make sure you look at the neighborhood.

Here’s what we’re looking at for this example:

  • Taxes: $1,200/year ($100/mo)
  • Insurance: $2,400/year ($200/mo)
  • HOA: $200/month
  • Total Monthly Expenses: $500

Obviously at this point in the process, these numbers are only estimates. However, if you do research to have informed estimates, you can save a lot of money and headache down the road.

3. The Leftover = Maximum Mortgage Payments

If our estimated rent is $2,500/month and we subtract our $500 of monthly expenses out of that number, we’re left with $2,000/month. 

  • $2,500 (income: rent) – $500 (expenses) = $2,000 (leftover)

Now we’re ready to talk about the mortgage.

The leftover $2,000 is the maximum you could pay each month towards a mortgage. 

If we want to qualify for a DSCR and keep our ratio at 1, this gives us our upper limit.

Translating Expected Expenses Into Your DSCR Loan

So, how do we take this $2,000/month number and translate it into DSCR loan requirements?

How much could you afford in a loan?

The easiest way is to use our updated DSCR calculator. It’s free to download and easy to use!

By inputting the current estimates, you can use this download to calculate DSCR loan requirements. What do you qualify for? What terms can you expect?

Our current estimate would likely qualify for an 8% interest rate on a 30 year mortgage.

With those numbers, we can now really start planning.

The Maximum Loan Amount

As we mentioned above, we recently updated our DSCR calculator to include a worksheet that helps you figure out your maximum loan. Even if you’ve downloaded the calculator before, you can redownload to get the updated version.

You can also use sites like calculator.net, input the numbers, and see what you’re working with.

Once we use our DSCR calculator, we discover that the maximum loan we can get and still keep our DSCR ratio at 1 is around $272,500.

 

Read the full article here.

Watch the full video here:

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DSCR Loan Calculator: Understanding Fixed Costs

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Looking at a DSCR loan calculator and wondering what numbers you need to plug in to make everything come out even? 

If you’re new to the DSCR game, you’ve likely heard people talking about the DSCR ratio and how that number helps you set rents. But how do you actually calculate all of that? 

There are quite a few numbers that go into calculating a DSCR ratio (which is then often used to calculate rents).

What is a DSCR Ratio?

A DSCR ratio is simply the break even point. 

Essentially, you start by adding up all of your monthly expenses (mortgage payments, taxes, insurance, HOA fees, etc.). If you compare that number to the amount you’re charging for rents and those numbers are the same (you’re putting out and bringing in the same $$ amount), then you have a DSCR ratio of 1.

You never want a DSCR below 1 (spending more than you’re bringing in). However, a ratio of 1 simply means that you’re breaking even. In other words, you’re not actually making money unless you can raise the ratio (and raise rents) in order to bring in more money than you’re spending.

Lenders like to see positive cash flow, so it’s typically good to aim for a DSCR ratio of 1.25. That means you’ll make 25% more than you’re spending. 

How to Calculate Your Fixed Costs

The first step of figuring out the ratio is to get a really clear picture of your expenses. Expenses come in two parts: fixed costs and monthly payments for loans. 

Let’s look at fixed costs right now.

These fixed monthly expenses consist of things like HOA fees, insurance, taxes, and other exciting things.

For Example…

Let’s take a peek at some numbers based on a property we reviewed recently:

  1. Taxes. This property had $1,200/year in taxes. Divide that by 12 and you have $100/month. 
  2. Property Insurance. We’re going to look at $1,800/year or $150/month.
  3. Flood Insurance. This property didn’t have any HOA fees, but it did need flood insurance. That comes to $2,4000/year or $200/month.

In total, you have $450/month in expenses for this property before factoring in your mortgage payment.

When working with your DSCR loan calculator, don’t forget about the fixed costs. It’s a critical number in calculating the ratio that’s going to set you up for success.

 

Read the full article here.

Watch the full video here:

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Don’t Kickstart Your BRRRR With a DSCR Loan

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A DSCR loan is great, but they’ll come into play at a later part of the BRRRR process. 

Let’s start with a real scenario we encountered a few weeks ago. A client from Michigan called. He’s done flips before and even kept a few rentals, but he’s new to the BRRRR method. 

In the past, he’s always used partners or cash to fund his investing. However, this property needs more money.

He’s buying it for $200,000, putting approximately $22,000 of rehab into it, and we’ll estimate closing costs around $7,000. That’s a total of $229,000 for a pretty basic investment property. 

Where can this client find the money, and how can he leverage it to his advantage?

He wanted to know if he could take out a DSCR loan to kickstart the BRRRR process.

Can You Use a DSCR Loan to Begin the BRRRR Method?

The short answer is technically yes. However, since you don’t currently own the property, you can’t claim the equity in it just yet which makes it a not-so-great deal.

For our example client above, a DSCR loan will only cover up to 80% of the purchasing costs. This leaves 20% leftover — a large amount of cash that our client and a lot of newer investors simply don’t have.

Additionally, a DSCR loan won’t cover renovations or closing costs.

If you’re trying to exclusively use a DSCR for a BRRRR, you’re going to see the payments begin to add up really quickly.

It’s typically better to wait until later in the process to bring in the DSCRs.

 

Read the full article here.

Watch the full video here:

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DSCR Calculator: How to Determine Your Rental Income

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What do you need to know in order to effectively use a DSCR calculator?

If you’re new to the DSCR game, you’ve likely heard people talking about the DSCR ratio and how that number helps you set rents. But how do you actually calculate all of that? 

What is a DSCR Ratio?

A DSCR ratio is simply the break-even point. 

Essentially, you start by adding up all of your monthly expenses (mortgage payments, taxes, insurance, HOA fees, etc.). If you compare that number to the amount you’re charging for rents and those numbers are the same (you’re putting out and bringing in the same $$ amount), then you have a DSCR ratio of 1.

You never want a DSCR below 1 (spending more than you’re bringing in). However, a ratio of 1 simply means that you’re breaking even. In other words, you’re not actually making money unless you can raise the ratio (and raise rents) in order to bring in more money than you’re spending.

Lenders like to see positive cash flow, so it’s typically good to aim for a DSCR ratio of 1.25. That means you’ll make 25% more than you’re spending. 

How to Calculate Your Fixed Costs

The first step of figuring out the ratio is to get a really clear picture of your expenses. Expenses come in two parts: fixed costs and monthly payments for loans. 

Let’s look at fixed costs first.

These fixed monthly expenses consist of things like HOA fees, insurance, taxes, and other exciting things.

For Example…

Let’s take a peek at some numbers based on a property we reviewed recently:

  1. Taxes. This property had $1,200/year in taxes. Divide that by 12 and you have $100/month. 
  2. Property Insurance. We’re going to look at $1,800/year or $150/month.
  3. Flood Insurance. This property didn’t have any HOA fees, but it did need flood insurance. That comes to $2,4000/year or $200/month.

In total, you have $450/month in expenses for this property before factoring in your mortgage payment.

How To Calculate Monthly Loan Payments

Once you know your fixed costs, there are a few other numbers to take into consideration before setting your rents. Once we know how much money is going out every month, we can figure out how much we need coming in.

The property in our example cost $250K and the investor paid a 20% down payment. 

  • Purchase Price = $250,000
  • Down Payment = 20%
  • 30-Year Fixed-Rate (8.5%) DSCR Loan = $200,000

The easiest way to calculate your monthly payments is to use a calculator designed for these numbers. We recommend using a site like calculator.net and selecting their amortization calculator. 

You can plug in the numbers, and it will do the work for you.

Once you plug in the numbers and hit calculate, you’ll see that your monthly loan payments are just under $1,538.

Updated Monthly Costs:

  • Fixed Costs = $450
  • Approximate Loan Payments = $1,538
  • Total = $1,988

Now that you know all of the money you’re paying each month, you know that to hit a DSCR ratio of 1, you’ll need to have rents of at least $1,988 in order to break even.

Using the DSCR Ratio to Set Rents

As we mentioned before, a DSCR ratio of 1 is fine – you won’t be losing money. But it’s not an optimal investment strategy. 

Lenders like to see you turning a profit, and you should too!

Returning to our above example, let’s say your outgoing expenses are $1,988. If you raise your rents by 25% (raising that DSCR ratio to 1.25 instead of 1), you’ll suddenly be making a 25% profit. 

Here’s how you get those numbers:

Breaking even on your real estate investing projects is great, but making money is the goal. Understanding how to calculate these numbers is a critical step towards successful investing

Check Out Our DSCR Calculator

To help you get an even clearer understanding of DSCRs, check out our DSCR calculator. It’s free to download and easy to use.

You’re also welcome to email us at Info@TheCashFlowCompany.com. We’re more than happy to answer questions and help you find the right deal.

We’re always looking for ways to help you succeed in your investment journey by giving you the knowledge and tools to win.

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The BRRRR Method: When to Use DSCR and Bridge Loans

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How can you use the BRRRR method to get you in and out of a property with little-to-no money down?

Let’s start with a real scenario we encountered a few weeks ago. A client from Michigan called. He’s done flips before and even kept a few rentals, but he’s new to the BRRRR method. 

In the past, he’s always used partners or cash to fund his investing. However, this property needs more money.

He’s buying it for $200,000, putting approximately $22,000 of rehab into it, and we’ll estimate closing costs around $7,000. That’s a total of $229,000 for a pretty basic investment property. 

Where can this client find the money, and how can he leverage it to his advantage?

What is the BRRRR Method?

BiggerPockets launched the BRRRR acronym a few years ago. BRRRR stands for Buy, Rehab, Rent, Refinance, Repeat. This acronym outlines a helpful strategy for successful real estate investing. 

It centers around buying properties with built-in equity. After renovations, the investor can refinance therefore creating a sustainable cycle of investments. 

Can You Use a DSCR Loan to Begin the BRRRR Method?

The short answer is technically yes. However, since you don’t currently own the property, you can’t claim the equity in it just yet which makes it a not-so-great deal.

For our example client above, a DSCR loan will only cover up to 80% of the purchasing costs. This leaves 20% leftover — a large amount of cash that our client and a lot of newer investors simply don’t have.

Additionally, a DSCR loan won’t cover renovations or closing costs.

If you’re trying to exclusively use a DSCR for a BRRRR, you’re going to see the payments begin to add up really quickly.

A Better Plan

Instead of throwing a DSCR at the whole thing from the start, we suggest a different strategy of kickstarting your BRRRR cycle. 

1. Start with a bridge loan.

The BRRRR method is all about sustainable investing. How can you use other people’s money to keep cash flowing in and out of your projects?

This means beginning with a loan that’s going to cover those starting costs so you can get ownership and claim that equity!

A bridge loan is more flexible than a DSCR so you can cover the purchase, rehab, even the closing costs. 

2. Add the DSCR.

Once you’re actually starting to rent out the property, that’s the time for the DSCR. DSCRs have more restrictions anyways, so they’re most effective when used for renting.

The DSCR can pay off the bridge loan and you can refinance the property for an even better outcome. 

The Beauty of the BRRRR Method

By using this loan strategy with the BRRRR method, our client was able to come up with a plan that should easily generate over $1,000/month of positive cash flow for himself. 

And it all started with strategically using other people’s money to enter the BRRRR cycle. 

This is the beauty of real estate investing. It’s accessible and profitable, even for beginners. 

We’re Here For You

If you have any questions or want to discuss a project, reach out to us at Info@TheCashFlowCompany.com.

Please also check out the free tools on our website for downloads that can help set you up for success. Additionally, if you’re interested in the BRRRR method, make sure to explore our BRRRR roadmap. 

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