Tag Archive for: DSCR ratio

DSCR Loans: Top 3 Questions Everyone Is Asking

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DSCR Loans: Top 3 Questions Everyone Is Asking

DSCR has really been taking off in the last 6 months! Today we are going to talk about the top 3 DSCR loan questions everyone is asking. As rates continue to come back down and properties start to cash flow again, many investors are coming back to DSCR. It is an excellent product for real estate investors to use for their next property!

First, can you get a DSCR loan for more than 4 units?

Typically there is a lending box that you fit into when you own a 1 to 4 unit. As a result, those who have 1 to 4 units have a lot of loan options available. We have had a lot of questions regarding lending options for properties that are not in that range. Anything over 5 units is considered a commercial property. Here at The Cash Flow Company we are working with a few investors who have an 8 plex, 12 plex, and even a 24 plex. For these customers, there are DSCR options, however they are considered commercial loans. Commercial loans are just a little bit different, but there are more options available now then there were in the past.  

Second, what kind of documents do you need when you are applying for a DSCR loan?

If you are doing a refinance, you will need:

  1. Lease agreement – What are you leasing?
  2. Business setup – What is the operating agreement and who runs the company?
  3. Reserves – You need a couple months of bank statements that show 2-3 months of reserves.
  4. Taxes – Needed for DSCR ratio.
  5. Insurance: Needed for DSCR ratio.
  6. HOA – Needed for DSCR ratio.
  7. Flood – Needed for DSCR ratio.
  8. Title 
  9. Appraisal – An appraisal will show the value of the property.

Once you have the appraisal and everything you need for the DSCR, it normally takes 2 to 3 weeks before everything is finalized.

Third, what happens if the property doesn’t break even?

The DSCR ratio is what everything is based on. The DSCR ratio is the breakeven point where the rents equal the expenses on that property. Just to clarify, expenses include your payments (principle and interest), taxes, insurance, HOA, and flood insurance. When the rents are equal to the expenses, there is a DSCR ratio of 1. If the property is not cash flowing, then the DSCR ratio will be less than 1. While there are still options available for investors whose ratio is less than 1, it is often at a higher interest rate and lower LTV. There are options for no income as well that will go down to 75%, while other lenders might not even check income. 

There is something for everyone!

DSCR loans have a lot of options available to fit your investment needs. Whether or not you have a break even property, or one that is struggling to cash flow, there is something for everyone. DSCR is becoming more of a mainstream option for investors. What types of properties are growing in DSCR popularity? The answer is commercial, 5 units, rural properties and many others. These properties no longer have to fit in the lending box. DSCR is opening the doors to endless possibilities. Do you have a unique rental property and are looking for more lending options? If so, contact us today to find out more about DSCR loans and how you can get under the DSCR umbrella! 

To find out more about DSCR loans and calculate your DSCR ratio contact us today!

Watch our most recent video DSCR Loans: Top 3 Questions Everyone Is Asking to find out more!

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DSCR Loan – Interest Only vs Amortized

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Discover Your Best Option: DSCR Loan – Interest Only vs Amortized

Today we are going to discuss DSCR interest only products and compare them to an amortized loan. Our goal is to not only look at the flexibility of an interest only loan, but to also demonstrate how it will help with cash flow. Which is best for you? Let’s start by comparing an interest only loan vs an amortized loan. 

What is interest only DSCR?

Interest only loan products are loans where you are only paying on the interest that is owed on the loan. However, principal on these types of loans never goes down unless you decide to put a  little money towards it. One thing to keep in mind with DSCR loans is that there are prepayment restrictions for the first 3 to 5 years. In most cases this means that you have a 20% cap during this prepay period. Paying a little extra doesn’t normally create an issue. It is just something that you need to keep in mind when working with an interest only loan.  

What is an amortized loan?

An amortized loan on the other hand requires you to pay not only the interest, but a little bit towards the principal as well. In this market, the rates are a little bit higher than they have been in years past. While an amortized loan typically has lower rates, it is important to keep in mind that the principal payment will be added to the monthly payment. In many cases the monthly payment for the amortized loan will end up being greater than the interest only loan. This difference can affect your ability to qualify for the loan because the property will not be a cash flowing investment. 

Example:

Loan amount: $200K

Rent: $1,700

DSCR ratio 1.1 

Loan Type Rate $200,000 x rate = annual interest Annual interest ÷ 12 = monthly payment Payment amount to mortgage company  Taxes, Insurance, HOA, and Flood = $150.00 

Creating Grand total for the month
Interest Only 8.25% $16,500 $1,375 $1,375 $1,525
Amortized 8% $16,000 $1,333 $1,333 Interest + principle = $1,468 $1,618

One more step. Adding the DSCR ratio.

What you will normally find is that the interest only rates in this market will be a little higher than the amortized loan rate. However, we still have one more step before we can determine if you can qualify for the DSCR loan on this property. We will need to multiply the grand total for the month by the DSCR ratio. This will help us to determine if the property will qualify for a DSCR loan based on the current rent amount of $1,700. Just as a reminder, the rents are based on what is happening in the market and the assessments done by an appraiser.

DSCR ratio 1.1 Grand total for the month  Grand total for the month x 1.1 = Difference after adding the  DSCR ratio compared to the $1,700 rent
Interest only  $1,525 $1,677.50 Will qualify for DSCR
Amortized  $1,618 $1,779.80 Will not qualify for DSCR

With DSCR loans you will have the flexibility of a 5, 7, or 10 year period. A DSCR interest only loan also provides an excellent opportunity for you to cash flow on the property. 

If you have any questions or want to run though the DSCR numbers, contact us today. We can help you compare a DSCR loan to an amortized loan. This will help you determine which is a better fit for your needs. 

Watch our most recent video to Discover Your Best Option: DSCR Loan – Interest Only vs Amortized.

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DSCR Loans: Does Your Rent Cover Your Costs?

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DSCR Loans: Does Your Rent Cover Your Costs?

Today we are going to discuss the importance of asking “does your rent cover costs” when considering a DSCR loan. Getting a DSCR loan can be both easy as well as rewarding. Let’s take a closer look! 

First and Foremost: Check Your Rent Coverage

First, ask yourself: does your rent cover all your costs? This includes:

  • Mortgage payment
  • Taxes
  • Insurance
  • HOA fees

While it’s not always necessary, by having your rent cover these costs can in turn help you get better rates as well as higher loan-to-value products. At the very least, aim to charge rent that covers your monthly payments. However, if it does, then you’ve passed the first step!

Example: Begin by imaging that you own a rental property. Your mortgage payment is $1,200, your taxes and insurance are $200, and your HOA fee is $100. Therefore, your total monthly cost is $1,500. However, if you charge $1,600 in rent, you are even able make a little extra.

Conclusion

In sum, determining your DSCR ratio you can determine if a DSCR loan is right for you. And that’s it! If you find any step challenging, don’t worry. Our team is here to help you. We’re eager to set you on a path that helps you make the money you need to live the life you want. Here at The Cash Flow Company we want to ensure that all of your questions are answered prior to purchasing a property. Contact us today to find out more! 

Watch our most recent video to find out more.

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Why a DSCR Loan is Perfect for Real Estate investors

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Why a DSCR Loan is Perfect for Real Estate investors

Many investors ask why a DSCR loan is perfect for real estate investing. To clarify, a DSCR loan stands for Debt Service Coverage Ratio loan and is designed specifically for real estate investors. This type of loan helps you buy rental properties, whether they are long-term or short-term rentals. However, It’s not for flips or homes you plan to live in.

Why Choose a DSCR Loan?

Choosing a DSCR loan can be a smart move for several reasons:

  1. Easy Qualification: You don’t need to worry about how long you’ve been in business or your personal income. Even if you started your business yesterday, you could qualify.
  2. Focus on Property Income: The loan qualification is based on the income generated by the property, not your personal income.
  3. 30-Year Loan Options: You get a good 30-year loan product, which can provide stability and predictability.

How Does a DSCR Loan Work?

The key to a DSCR loan is that it focuses on the property’s ability to generate enough income to cover its expenses. Here’s how it works:

  1. Property Income: The income from the rental property should at least cover the mortgage, property taxes, insurance, and any HOA or flood insurance fees.
  2. Credit Score: Your personal credit score is important. The higher your score, the better the terms and rates.
  3. Loan-to-Value Ratio (LTV): This is the amount of the loan compared to the property’s value. Lower LTV means less risk for lenders and better terms for you.

Who Can Benefit from a DSCR Loan?

DSCR loans are perfect for:

  • New Investors: If you’ve just started your real estate investment journey, you can qualify even without a long business history.
  • Tax Savvy Investors: If you write off a lot of expenses on your taxes, which can reduce your reported income, this loan can still work for you.
  • Expanding Portfolios: Investors looking to add more rental properties can benefit from the flexible qualification criteria.

Example

Imagine you are an investor who just started a year ago. You found a great rental property, but traditional lenders won’t approve your loan because you don’t have two years of business income. A DSCR loan can help. As long as the rental income covers the mortgage and other expenses, you can get the loan and grow your investment portfolio.

Get Started with a DSCR Loan Today

A DSCR loan is an excellent loan for real estate investors. Is it right for your investment needs? Contact us at The Cash Flow Company. We have the tools and expertise to help you understand your options and find the best loan for your needs.

Watch our most recent video to find out more about: Why a DSCR Loan is Perfect for Real Estate investors

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3 Factors to Think About When Considering a DSCR Loan

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3 Factors to Think About When Considering a DSCR Loan

What is a DSCR Loan?

There are 3 factors to think about when considering a DSCR loan that we are going to discuss further today. First and foremost, a DSCR loan stands for Debt Service Coverage Ratio loan and is an excellent loan for real estate investment. It’s designed specifically for real estate investors. This type of loan helps you buy rental properties, whether they are long-term or short-term rentals. However, it’s not for flips or homes you plan to live in.

Why Choose a DSCR Loan?

Choosing a DSCR loan can be a smart move for several reasons:

  1. Easy Qualification: You don’t need to worry about how long you’ve been in business or your personal income. Even if you started your business yesterday, you could qualify.
  2. Focus on Property Income: The loan qualification is based on the income generated by the property, not your personal income.
  3. 30-Year Loan Options: You get a good 30-year loan product, which can provide stability and predictability.

Important Considerations

Before jumping into a DSCR loan, consider these factors:

  1. Prepayment Penalties: These loans often come with penalties if you pay them off early. Make sure to understand these terms before committing.
  2. Higher Interest Rates: DSCR loans can have slightly higher interest rates compared to traditional loans. This is because they are easier to qualify for.
  3. Not for Flips or Personal Use: These loans are strictly for rental properties, not for homes you plan to flip or live in.

Is a DSCR Loan Right for You?

If you’re a real estate investor looking for a flexible loan option that doesn’t rely heavily on your personal income, a DSCR loan could be the perfect fit. It’s especially useful if you’re new to the business or if you maximize your tax deductions. Always run the numbers and shop around for the best terms.

Get Started with a DSCR Loan Today

A DSCR loan is an excellent loan for real estate investors. Is it right for your investment needs? Contact us at The Cash Flow Company. We have the tools and expertise to help you understand your options and find the best loan for your needs.

Watch our most recent video to find out more about: 3 Factors to Think About When Considering a DSCR Loan

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DSCR Loan – Is It Right For Your Real Estate Investment?

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DSCR Loan – Is It Right For Your Real Estate Investment?

What is a DSCR Loan?

A DSCR loan stands for Debt Service Coverage Ratio loan and is an excellent loan for real estate investment. It’s designed specifically for real estate investors. This type of loan helps you buy rental properties, whether they are long-term or short-term rentals. It’s not for flips or homes you plan to live in.

Why Choose a DSCR Loan?

Choosing a DSCR loan can be a smart move for several reasons:

  1. Easy Qualification: You don’t need to worry about how long you’ve been in business or your personal income. Even if you started your business yesterday, you could qualify.
  2. Focus on Property Income: The loan qualification is based on the income generated by the property, not your personal income.
  3. 30-Year Loan Options: You get a good 30-year loan product, which can provide stability and predictability.

How Does a DSCR Loan Work?

The key to a DSCR loan is that it focuses on the property’s ability to generate enough income to cover its expenses. Here’s how it works:

  1. Property Income: The income from the rental property should at least cover the mortgage, property taxes, insurance, and any HOA or flood insurance fees.
  2. Credit Score: Your personal credit score is important. The higher your score, the better the terms and rates.
  3. Loan-to-Value Ratio (LTV): This is the amount of the loan compared to the property’s value. Lower LTV means less risk for lenders and better terms for you.

Who Can Benefit from a DSCR Loan?

DSCR loans are perfect for:

  • New Investors: If you’ve just started your real estate investment journey, you can qualify even without a long business history.
  • Tax Savvy Investors: If you write off a lot of expenses on your taxes, which can reduce your reported income, this loan can still work for you.
  • Expanding Portfolios: Investors looking to add more rental properties can benefit from the flexible qualification criteria.

Example

Imagine you are an investor who just started a year ago. You found a great rental property, but traditional lenders won’t approve your loan because you don’t have two years of business income. A DSCR loan can help. As long as the rental income covers the mortgage and other expenses, you can get the loan and grow your investment portfolio.

Important Considerations

Before jumping into a DSCR loan, consider these factors:

  1. Prepayment Penalties: These loans often come with penalties if you pay them off early. Make sure to understand these terms before committing.
  2. Higher Interest Rates: DSCR loans can have slightly higher interest rates compared to traditional loans. This is because they are easier to qualify for.
  3. Not for Flips or Personal Use: These loans are strictly for rental properties, not for homes you plan to flip or live in.

Is a DSCR Loan Right for You?

If you’re a real estate investor looking for a flexible loan option that doesn’t rely heavily on your personal income, a DSCR loan could be the perfect fit. It’s especially useful if you’re new to the business or if you maximize your tax deductions. Always run the numbers and shop around for the best terms.

Get Started with a DSCR Loan Today

A DSCR loan is an excellent loan for real estate investors. Is it right for your investment needs? Contact us at The Cash Flow Company. We have the tools and expertise to help you understand your options and find the best loan for your needs.

Watch our most recent video to find out more about: DSCR Loan – Is It Right For Your Real Estate Investment?

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Investing in Rental Properties: DSCR Loans

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If you’re new to investing in rental properties, understanding how DSCR loans work is essential.

In the investment world, rental properties are a great source of wealth. The financial potential in fixing up places to then rent out is a very lucrative model, especially in the current housing economy.

What is a DSCR Loan?

DSCR loans are specifically designed for real estate investors who hold rental properties. 

The acronym literally stands for Debt-Service Coverage Ratio which is a fancy way of saying that the loan cares about the cash flow of a property.

The great news, especially for new investors, is that accessing these loans is less dependent on personal or business income. Even if you’ve just begun a new business, qualification for DSCR depends almost entirely on the potential value and expenses of the rental property itself. 

What is a DSCR Ratio?

The DSCR ratio is a simple calculation that compares income to expenses—the cash flowing in vs. the cash flowing out—on a single property.

Essentially, a DSCR ratio of 1 simply means that the income and expenses equal each other.

The DSCR ratio measures the break-even point of your investment. So long as you bring in the same amount of money as you invest, you won’t lose anything.

However, a DSCR ratio of higher-than-1 is even better. A higher ratio means that you’re bringing in more money than you’re spending—generating cash flow and building wealth.

Use Our DSCR Loan Calculator

To help you find your projected rents, expenses, and ratio, you can use our DSCR loan calculator. It’s a free, user-friendly download that will help you estimate your DSCR ratio to see if your investment property is going to break even.

Once you have an estimate for your ratio, it’s time to start looking for loans. 

Finding a DSCR Loan

Banks typically like to see ratios of 1 or higher. 

However, if you’re investing in rental properties that might not break even, you can often still find a loan, but you might be stuck with higher rates.

You can also check out our website and inquire about the DSCR options we offer. 

 

Read the full article here.

Watch the full video here:

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How to Raise Your DSCR Ratio

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The DSCR ratio measures the break-even point of your investment. How can you leverage your money to actually build wealth?

A DSCR ratio of 1 means that the expenses of your rental property are equal to the income you receive through rents. So long as you bring in the same amount of money as you invest, you won’t lose anything.

However, a DSCR ratio of higher-than-1 is even better. A higher ratio means that you’re bringing in more money than you’re spending—generating cash flow and building wealth.

Raising the DSCR Ratio

You can get a higher DSCR ratio in a few ways. 

1. Be mindful of your expenses.

Especially if you’re a new investor, make sure you’re shopping around for the best deals. 

Before you buy a property, research the typical costs for the area. Is there an HOA? Will you need any specialized insurance? Typical taxes?

Knowing these things beforehand can help you make more informed decisions and keep your costs lower.

2. Set rents intentionally.

Look at the average rents in your area. Remember, the higher your income (rents), the higher your DSCR ratio.

Let’s look at an example:

When rents equal our cash out, lenders may see your loan as “safe,” but it’s not making you any money. 

Instead, raising rents can help you end up with a higher DSCR ratio (and more money in your pocket).

When you raise rents, simply divide your expenses by your income (rents) to find your new ratio.

By raising rents by $200, we end up with a much better ratio (1.2) that actually creates wealth instead of simply covering expenses. 

As an investor, the goal is to always make decisions that can create generational wealth for us in the years to come. Even small adjustments in rents and expenses can have a significant impact on your ratio. Do your research and your math when you work with rental properties!

 

Read the full article here.

Watch the full video here:

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DSCR Loan Calculator: How to Find Your Ratio

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A DSCR loan calculator is an invaluable tool for real estate investors.

In the investment world, rental properties are a great source of wealth. The financial potential in fixing up places to then rent out is a very lucrative model, especially in the current housing economy.

What is a DSCR Loan?

DSCR loans are specifically designed for real estate investors who hold rental properties. 

The acronym literally stands for Debt-Service Coverage Ratio which is a fancy way of saying that the loan cares about the cash flow of a property.

The great news, especially for new investors, is that accessing these loans is less dependent on personal or business income. Even if you’ve just begun a new business, qualification for DSCR depends almost entirely on the potential value and expenses of the rental property itself. 

What is a DSCR Ratio?

The DSCR ratio is a simple calculation that compares income to expenses—the cash flowing in vs. the cash flowing out—on a single property.

Essentially, a DSCR ratio of 1 simply means that the income and expenses equal each other.

The DSCR ratio measures the break-even point of your investment. So long as you bring in the same amount of money as you invest, you won’t lose anything.

However, a DSCR ratio of higher-than-1 is even better. A higher ratio means that you’re bringing in more money than you’re spending—generating cash flow and building wealth.

Raising the Ratio

You can get a higher DSCR ratio in a few ways. 

1. Be mindful of your expenses.

Especially if you’re a new investor, make sure you’re shopping around for the best deals. 

Before you buy a property, research the typical costs for the area. Is there an HOA? Will you need any specialized insurance? Typical taxes?

Knowing these things beforehand can help you make more informed decisions and keep your costs lower.

2. Set rents intentionally.

Look at the average rents in your area. Remember, the higher your income (rents), the higher your DSCR ratio.

Let’s look at an example:

When rents equal our cash out, lenders may see your loan as “safe,” but it’s not making you any money. 

Instead, raising rents can help you end up with a higher DSCR ratio (and more money in your pocket).

When you raise rents, simply divide your expenses by your income (rents) to find your new ratio.

By raising rents by $200, we end up with a much better ratio (1.2) that actually creates wealth instead of simply covering expenses. 

Use Our DSCR Loan Calculator

To help you find your projected rents, expenses, and ratio, you can use our DSCR loan calculator. It’s a free, user-friendly download that will help you estimate your DSCR ratio to see if your investment property is going to break even.

Once you have an estimate for your ratio, it’s time to start looking for loans. 

Finding a DSCR Loan

Banks typically like to see ratios of 1 or higher. 

However, if you’re working with a property that might not break even, you can often still find a loan, but you might be stuck with higher rates.

You can also check out our website and inquire about the DSCR options we offer. 

Here at The Cash Flow Company, we scour the market to make sure we offer competitive rates and connect good people with good loans.

If you have questions or want to talk about a loan, reach out to us at Mike@TheCashFlowCompany.com.

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What is a DSCR Ratio?

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The DSCR ratio is the foundation of successful DSCR investing. But what is it and how can you use it to build income?

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?

Today we’re going to look at these calculations, walking through how you can get pretty good estimates for these numbers using the DSCR ratio and the average rent rate in your local area.

It All Starts With The Ratio

The DSCR ratio is simply the break-even point for that property. Essentially, if the ratio equals 1, then the total cost of the project is canceled out by the incoming rent.

These costs are decently easy to estimate by talking to other investors in your area. You can often find HOA or tax information online which will help you figure these numbers.

Understanding the DSCR ratio is the foundation for successful investing. 

By building your investment strategy off of this ratio, you know that, at the very least, you’ll break even by sticking to a DSCR ratio = 1. 

Once you’re sure you can break even, you can even set your rents slightly higher (or try to keep costs lower) to have a higher ratio of 1.25 (where you’ll have 25% higher income than outgoing cash). This typically comes in a later step which you can read about in a previous article. 

 

Read the full article here.

Watch the full video here:

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