Tag Archive for: DSCR loans

If you’re diving into real estate investing, you’ve likely heard of “property seasoning.” But what is property seasoning, and why does it matter? Let’s break it down simply so you can keep moving forward with your investment goals.

What Is Property Seasoning?

In real estate lending, seasoning means how long you’ve owned a property. Imagine you bought a property a month ago. At this point, your property is “seasoned” for one month. Lenders care about seasoning because it affects when you can access certain types of refinancing, like cash-out refinancing.

Why Seasoning Matters for DSCR Loans

For DSCR (Debt Service Coverage Ratio) loans, seasoning impacts how soon you can refinance a property using its appraised value instead of the purchase price. This difference is crucial, especially for investors who follow the BRRRR (Buy, Rehab, Rent, Refinance, Repeat) method. Here’s why:

  • Higher Appraised Value: When you invest in a fixer-upper, you add value through repairs or upgrades. Over time, this improves the property’s worth. After a few months of seasoning, many DSCR lenders let you refinance based on this new, higher value.
  • Get Cash Out Faster: With DSCR loans, you want to access the property’s equity sooner so you can use those funds on your next investment.

Typical Seasoning Requirements

Not all lenders have the same seasoning rules. Here’s a quick look at common requirements:

  • Traditional Loans: Many conventional lenders need 12 months of seasoning for a cash-out refinance.
  • DSCR Loans: Most DSCR lenders require at least 6 months of seasoning, but this can vary.

Some DSCR lenders may even allow:

  1. 6 Months – Most DSCR lenders are comfortable here.
  2. 3 Months – A few lenders are more flexible with shorter seasoning.
  3. 0 Months – Rare, but some lenders allow no seasoning if the property appraises high enough.

Example: Seasoning in Action

Let’s say you bought a property in January for $275,000, invested $25,000 in upgrades, and now it’s worth $400,000. If your lender has a 6-month seasoning rule, you’ll need to wait until July to refinance based on the $400,000 value. With a shorter seasoning period, you could refinance sooner, free up cash, and move to your next project faster.

Choosing the Right Lender

Every lender has its own “box” or rules for lending. If one lender’s seasoning requirement doesn’t match your goals, look for others that do. Working with a broker can also help since they connect you to lenders with various seasoning requirements.

Key Takeaways

  • Know Your Lender’s Rules: Seasoning requirements vary, especially between traditional and DSCR loans.
  • Aim for Flexibility: Find a lender or broker who can offer the shortest seasoning to match your investment needs.
  • Use Tools: Tools like a Loan Cost Optimizer can help you compare loan options and maximize profits.

Need Help with Your Loan?

For more guidance on finding the right DSCR loan or checking on seasoning requirements, visit our website, The Cash Flow Company. With the right tools and advice, you can make smarter, faster investment moves!

Watch our most recent video to find out more!

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DSCR loans are a game-changer for real estate investors. DSCR loans are a game-changer. However, there are 4 credit score mistakes with DSCR loans that you need to be on the look out for! This includes cash flow, LTV, approval, and options. Let’s take a quick look at each of these to see how they can impact you! 

First, Cash Flow

First and foremost in order to qualify for a DSCR loan your property needs to cash flow. The better your credit score, the better your interest rate on your loan. 

Second, Loan to Value (LTV)

Your credit score also affects how much you need to put down on a property. By having a strong credit score you will not have to put as much down compared to those with lower scores. 

Third, Approval

A higher credit score makes it easier to get a DSCR loan approved. Lenders view you as less risky, which in turn increases chances for approval.

Fourth, Options

With a high credit score you will be able to find more lenders who are eager to offer you a DSCR loan. Those with lower credit scores will have fewer lenders who are willing to work with their scores. 

Contact Us Today! 

Is a DSCR loan right for you? Contact us today to find out more about credit score mistakes with DSCR loans.

Free Tools For You! 

We also have free tools available! Download the DSCR Quick Calculator to see if a DSCR loan is the best option for your investment properties! 

Learn more!

Visit our YouTube channel to learn more about real estate investing and how you can get on the fast track to success! 

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When it comes to choosing the right loan, the DSCR (Debt Service Coverage Ratio) loan stands out. With recent changes in the market, rates are coming down, and more properties are qualifying. The best part? There are new options that can help real estate investors like you boost your cash flow and grow your portfolio. Let’s dive into some of the most exciting updates as well as explore what’s the best option in today’s market.

1. The 40-Year Mortgage Option

One of the hottest options right now is the 40-year mortgage. It’s perfect if you’re looking for lower monthly payments as well as  better cash flow.

Why Choose the 40-Year Mortgage?

With a longer term, your monthly payments will be lower compared to the traditional 30-year loan. This can make it easier to qualify for more properties, as your DSCR ratio will improve with smaller payments.

Example:
Take a $250,000 loan on a property with $2,000 in monthly rent.

  • On a 30-year loan at 6.65%, your monthly payment would be $1,596 (plus taxes and insurance).
  • With a 40-year mortgage at 6.9%, your payment drops to $1,535. This helps you better meet the DSCR requirements and qualify for the loan.

Key takeaway: If you’re looking to get more properties into your portfolio and need help qualifying, the 40-year mortgage can make a big difference.

2. Interest-Only Loans for Cash Flow

If your main focus is cash flow, an interest-only loan might be the way to go. This option allows you to pay only the interest for a set period, therefore it lowers your monthly payments and maximizes your cash flow. However, keep in mind that you’re not paying down the principal with this option.

Example:
If you’re solely focused on cash flow, interest-only payments on a DSCR loan can make a significant difference. By lowering payments it results in more monthly cash in your pocket. Therefore, allowing you to focus on growing your real estate portfolio.

3. Zero Prepayment Penalty Loans

Another exciting change in the market is the option for a zero prepayment penalty on DSCR loans. This means you can refinance or pay off your loan early without facing penalties. In the past, many investors hesitated to lock in a DSCR loan because of the 5-year prepayment penalty.

How Does This Help You?

If rates drop, you can refinance without being stuck with penalties. The downside? The rate for a zero-prepay loan will typically be about 1% higher than one with a prepayment penalty.

Example:
You lock in a 6.9% rate with a zero-prepay option. If rates drop to 5.9%, you can refinance and save without worrying about extra costs.

4. One-Year Prepay Penalty

If you want a balance between a lower interest rate and some flexibility, a one-year prepay penalty is another option to consider. After the first year, you can pay off your loan, sell the property, or refinance without penalties.

This option gives you a bit of a rate break compared to the zero-prepay option while still giving you some flexibility to move on from the loan after just one year.

Which DSCR Loan Is Right for You?

It all depends on your goals. Are you looking for better cash flow, flexibility, or to qualify for more properties? Each of these options—40-year mortgage, interest-only loans, zero-prepay, or one-year prepay—offers something different.

Here’s a quick summary to help you decide:

  • For better cash flow: Consider a 40-year mortgage or an interest-only loan.
  • For flexibility: Look at the zero-prepay or one-year prepay penalty loans.
  • For qualifying for more properties: The 40-year mortgage can improve your DSCR ratio and help you qualify for more deals.

What’s Next for DSCR Loans?

The market is constantly evolving. As rates come down, more options will become available, giving you more flexibility and opportunities to grow your portfolio. What is the best option in today’s market? Stay tuned, and don’t hesitate to ask us about new loan products that can benefit your real estate investments.

Watch our most recent video to find out more about: DSCR Loan: What’s My Best Option in Today’s Market?

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The Best Way to Find a DSCR Loan For Your Investment

Today we are going to discuss the best way to find a DSCR loan for your investment property. Unlike Fannie and Freddie, or traditional lenders, DSCR loans do not have the same guidelines. Instead, DSCR loans are regulated by a few big investors and do not force people to fit into a computerized box. This creates the opportunity for investors to find the perfect loan to meet their needs. What is the best way to find a DSCR loan? Let’s take a closer look.

Every lender is different.

Every DSCR lender is different and they each have their own guidelines that they follow. While a lot of lenders will only do 1 to 4 units, others will be more adventurous and do commercial properties.  For these lenders, you either fit in their box or you don’t. All DSCR lenders are not the same, they don’t always look the same, and most importantly they are not priced the same. It is important to keep this in mind when you are looking and shopping for DSCR loans.  Shopping around for the best loan to fit your needs is especially important if you have something unique. 

What to look for?

Keep in mind all of your options when looking at DSCR loans. This includes the pricing, rules, and regulations, which can vary depending on the lender. Here at The Cash Flow Company we have between 7 and 10 different places that we work with for DSCR loans. That is because not every DSCR loan type will fit in every lender’s box. For example, we are doing a portfolio for a customer who has a 12 plex, 4 plex, and a couple single family properties. The borrower only wants one loan. Another customer is doing 3 single family properties, but two are very unique situations. One is a pad split, another is a contract for a deed. Our goal for both customers is to find a lender that can do all of these properties in one loan. By finding the right DSCR lender, the sky’s the limit to your success.

We are here to help!

Are you in need of a DSCR loan for a unique property? Here at The Cash Flow Company we are happy to run through the numbers to see which loan is best for you. Most importantly, there is no need to run your credit! Don’t get stressed trying to fit into a lending box! Keep your options open and find the right DSCR lender today! 

Contact us today to find out more about DSCR loans! 

Watch our most recent video about: “The Best Way to Find a DSCR Loan For Your Investment” 

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DSCR Loans: What Type of Properties Qualify?

Today we are going to discuss DSCR loans and look at what type of properties qualify. DSCR loans are an excellent product because they can provide more flexibility than traditional lenders. Unlike Fannie and Freddie, or traditional lenders, DSCR loans do not have the same guidelines. Instead, DSCR loans are regulated by a few big investors and do not force people to fit into a computerized box. DSCR loans create an opportunity for investors to find the perfect loan to meet their needs. 

Unique properties require unique loans.

Many unique properties include ones that need a smaller loan, a rural loan, mixed use, or properties that are above 4 units.  Keep in mind that some lenders are not always able to meet your needs. Unlike traditional loans, DSCR lenders all follow different guidelines and requirements. While one will do a DSCR ratio of 1, another lender will require 1.1 to get their best rates. Your credit score also plays a role in loan approval. Some lenders will go down to a 620 credit score, while others will say that 680 is the lowest they will go. There are so many different options that are available to investors. Be sure to take your time to find the best option for you and your property.  

The lending box.

There is a lending box that 60% to 70% of investors fit into. This box requires them to have a 700 credit score, 75% LTV, and a 1 to 4 unit property. For these investors, it becomes a matter of price shopping to see which lender has the best price for their property. If you don’t fit into this box don’t worry! There are a multitude of loan options available that can provide the flexibility you need to succeed. Do you have a VRBO, Airbnb property, pad rental, or a rural property? Find the right loan and the right amount for your next investment project. Whether it’s $50K or $300K, DSCR lenders have the versatility that can open the door to endless possibilities.

We are here to help!

Are you in need of a DSCR loan for a unique property? Here at The Cash Flow Company we are happy to run through the numbers to see which loan is best for you. Most importantly, there is no need to run your credit! Don’t get stressed trying to fit into a lending box! Keep your options open and find the right DSCR lender today! 

Contact us today to find out more about DSCR loans! 

Watch our most recent video to find out more about: DSCR Loans: What Type of Properties Qualify?

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DSCR Loans: How Flexible Are the Rules and Guidelines?

Many investors wonder how flexible the rules and guidelines are for DSCR loans. Do all DSCR lenders have the same guidelines or follow universal rules? The answer is no! Unlike Fannie and Freddie, or traditional lenders, DSCR loans do not have the same guidelines. Instead, DSCR loans are regulated by a few big investors and do not force people to fit into a computerized box. This creates the opportunity for investors to find the perfect loan to meet their needs. 

Every lender is different.

Every DSCR lender is different and they each have their own guidelines that they follow. While a lot of lenders will only do 1 to 4 units, others will be more adventurous and do commercial properties.  For these lenders, you either fit in their box or you don’t. All DSCR lenders are not the same, they don’t always look the same, and most importantly they are not priced the same. It is important to keep this in mind when you are looking and shopping for DSCR loans.  Shopping around for the best loan to fit your needs is especially important if you have something unique. 

Unique properties require unique loans.

Many unique properties include ones that need a smaller loan, a rural loan, mixed use, or properties that are above 4 units.  Keep in mind that some lenders are not always able to meet your needs. Unlike traditional loans, DSCR lenders all follow different guidelines and requirements. While one will do a DSCR ratio of 1, another lender will require 1.1 to get their best rates. Your credit score also plays a role in loan approval. Some lenders will go down to a 620 credit score, while others will say that 680 is the lowest they will go. There are so many different options that are available to investors. Be sure to take your time to find the best option for you and your property.  

The lending box.

There is a lending box that 60% to 70% of investors fit into. This box requires them to have a 700 credit score, 75% LTV, and a 1 to 4 unit property. For these investors, it becomes a matter of price shopping to see which lender has the best price for their property. If you don’t fit into this box don’t worry! There are a multitude of loan options available that can provide the flexibility you need to succeed. Do you have a VRBO, Airbnb property, pad rental, or a rural property? Find the right loan and the right amount for your next investment project. Whether it’s $50K or $300K, DSCR lenders have the versatility that can open the door to endless possibilities.

What to look for?

It is important to keep in mind all of the options available to you when looking at DSCR loans. This includes the pricing, rules, and regulations, which can vary depending on the lender. Here at The Cash Flow Company we have between 7 and 10 different places that we work with for DSCR loans. That is because not every DSCR loan type will fit in every lender’s box. For example, we are doing a portfolio for a customer who has a 12 plex, 4 plex, and a couple single family properties. The borrower only wants one loan. Another customer is doing 3 single family properties, but two are very unique situations. One is a pad split, another is a contract for a deed. Our goal for both customers is to find a lender that can do all of these properties in one loan. By finding the right DSCR lender, the sky’s the limit to your success.

We are here to help!

Are you in need of a DSCR loan for a unique property? Here at The Cash Flow Company we are happy to run through the numbers to see which loan is best for you. Most importantly, there is no need to run your credit! Don’t get stressed trying to fit into a lending box! Keep your options open and find the right DSCR lender today! 

Contact us today to find out more about DSCR loans! 

Watch our most recent videoDSCR Loans: How Flexible Are the Rules and Guidelines?” to find out more! 

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DSCR Loan Explained – Easy Rental Loan for Investors

Are you looking for a lightning fast easy loan for your rental properties? Something that comes with affordable, long term fixed rates? Then we have your solution. We call it the Easy Rental Loan that is for investors, 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 to know about the Easy Rental Loan for Investors. Let’s take a look.

Two key items:

  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 for investors:

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

What makes it Easy:

This is an amazing product for investors. Unlike traditional lenders 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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Why You Should Buy Rental Properties Now

Investors are asking why they should buy rental properties with interest rates being so high. While no one has a crystal ball to see the future of interest rates, there is a market trend that many seasoned investors follow. They buy when rates are high, and then refinance when the rates drop again. In doing so, the seasoned investors put themselves ahead of the game. Consequently, by already having a property in hand, it takes the pressure off not having to rush into deals when rates drop. You too will be able to take advantage of the lower rates without scrambling to find properties. Below is an example of how cash flow is being affected by the current interest rates. Our focus is on the future. The ultimate goal is to buy now in order to create optimum cash flow later. 

DSCR Loan

Today we are going to dive into an example illustrating why purchasing rental properties now will increase your cash flow in just a few years when using a DSCR loan. What is a DSCR loan? A DSCR loan are loans focused on the rents from a rental property and the credit worthiness of the borrower. While the increasing interest rates are making it harder for investors to qualify for a DSCR loan, those who are able to find good properties will in turn set themselves up for success when rates go back down.  

Example:

$250K DSCR Loan 
Time Frame Percentage Expected Payment Change Over Time
Couple years ago 3.75% $1,158
Now 9% to 11% 

(depending on LTV)

$2,011 $853 

Payment Increase 

In the Future 7% 

(you refinance $2,011 principle)

$1,663 $348

Cash flow increase 

The Optimus  5%

(Looking if it dropped from 9% to 5%)

$1,342 $669 

Cash flow increase 

What is a “good property” to buy now?

My suggestion for investors is that they need to find something that has good equity and at 25% to 30%. As long as it is breaking even, then in a year or two when rates go back down, you will be able to refinance to increase your cash flow without buying another property. The more affordable the homes are, the bigger the market becomes. The good news is that buyers are going to start buying again, and the values around you are going to increase. While no one can predict that the interest rates will go back down to 2.5% for owner occupied and 3.75% for investors, there are indications that interest rates will drop in 2024. 

What else can you do to succeed in this market?

You’re not alone! There are a lot of people who are questioning if they should buy now. Navigating this market can be overwhelming for many investors. By doing your research and investing wisely, you will not only increase cash flow, but create generational wealth as well. I will be doing a follow up video that will further show you the effect that interest rates have on cash flow. This will include a look from the buyers side, and how the market is going to push up your values. 

Watch our most recent video about why rental properties fail to cash flow and how you can set yourself up for success by investing now.

Do you have questions about DSCR loans or how you can create generational wealth? Contact us today!

 

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How Rising Interest Rates Impact Cash Flow

Today we are going to look at an example of how rising interest rates impact cash flow for real estate investors who are using a DSCR loan. To clarify, a DSCR loan is a loan that focuses on the rents from a rental property and the credit worthiness of the borrower. In today’s market, the increasing interest rates are truly affecting payments and more importantly they are negatively impacting cash flow. 

Example:

$250K Loan 
Time Frame Percentage Expected Payment Change over Time
Couple years ago 3.75% $1,158
Now 9% to 11% 

(depending on LTV)

$2,011 $853 

Payment Increase 

In the Future 7% 

(you refinance $2,011 principle)

$1,663 $348

Cash flow increase 

The Optimus  5%

(Looking if it dropped from 9% to 5%)

$1,342 $669 

Cash flow increase 

This example allows us to visualize why rental properties are failing to cash flow while using a DSCR loan. As a result to higher interest rates, investors are experiencing increasing payments for their properties. This is in addition to rising taxes, and increasing insurance expenses as well. As a result, investors are struggling to break even, let alone create cash flow. In sum, all of these pressures are making it harder to be successful in real estate investing. 

What’s next?

I will be doing a follow up video that will further show you the effect that interest rates have on cash flow. This will include a look from the buyers side, and how the market is going to push up your values. While we don’t have control over the interest rates, we can instead use this time to make the most of the market. By investing in undervalued properties now, you can then refinance when rates go down. This in turn will create the cash flow you need to succeed in the years to come.

Watch our most recent video about why rental properties fail to cash flow and how you can set yourself up for success by investing now.

Do you have questions about DSCR loans or how you can create generational wealth? Contact us today!

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DSCR Loan: Why Rental Properties Fail to Cash Flow

Today we are going to dive into an example illustrating why rental properties fail to cash flow using a DSCR loan. A DSCR loan are loans focused on the rents from a rental property and the credit worthiness of the borrower. In today’s market, the increasing interest rates are truly affecting payments and more importantly they are impacting cash flow. As a result, it has become harder and harder to qualify for a DSCR loan. Likewise, DSCR ratios are changing also. What used to be a 1:1 ratio (rents compared to expenses), has now increased depending on your LTV. Therefore, many investors can no longer qualify because there is no cash flow for the property. So, what does this look like numbers wise? Let’s take a closer look.

Example:

$250K Loan 
Time Frame Percentage Expected Payment Change Over Time
Couple years ago 3.75% $1,158
Now 9% to 11% 

(depending on LTV)

$2,011 $853 

Payment Increase 

In the Future 7% 

(you refinance $2,011 principle)

$1,663 $348

Cash flow increase 

The Optimus  5%

(Looking if it dropped from 9% to 5%)

$1,342 $669 

Cash flow increase 

In this example it is clear to see why rental properties fail to cash flow, especially with a DSCR loan. The increasing rates have caused payments to increase as well. When combined with ever rising taxes and insurance expenses, investors are struggling to break even, let alone create cash flow. All of these pressures are making it harder to be successful in real estate investing. 

Why is it a good time to buy?

So, why is it a good time to buy? My suggestion for investors is that they need to find something that has good equity and at 25% to 30%. As long as it is breaking even, then in a year or two when rates go back down, you will be able to refinance to increase your cash flow without buying another property. The more affordable the homes are, the bigger the market becomes. The good news is that buyers are going to start buying again, and the values around you are going to increase.. While no one can predict that the interest rates will go back down to 2.5% for owner occupied and 3.75% for investors, there are indications that interest rates will drop in 2024. 

What’s next?

I will be doing a follow up video that will further show you the effect that interest rates have on cash flow. This will include a look from the buyers side, and how the market is going to push up your values. If you can find a good undervalued property now, then you are going to not only create cash flow, but create generational wealth as well. You’re not alone! There are a lot of people who are questioning if they should buy now. 

Watch our most recent video about why rental properties fail to cash flow and how you can set yourself up for success by investing now.

Do you have questions about DSCR loans or how you can create generational wealth? Contact us today!

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