Tag Archive for: interest rates

How to Calculate Monthly Interest Payments

As real estate investors it is important to understand and master the 4 key real estate loan calculations. These 4 keys include how to calculate a point, simple interest, loan to ARV, and loan to value. One of the most important of these is learning how to calculate the monthly interest payments, because it will impact your monthly budget. So grab your calculator, paper, and a pen! 

How do you calculate your interest rate?

Not only does DSCR have some interest only options, but private money and hard money do as well. Today, we are looking at how to calculate the monthly interest rate on a simple mortgage. Just to clarify, monthly interest and simple interest are one in the same. So, if a lender says that you are going to be charged 11% or 12% on your loan amount, what does that mean? First and foremost, that 11% or 12% is an annual amount not a monthly amount. Let’s jump into an example to see how you calculate the interest rate.

For example:

Loan for $150,000

Lender says the interest rate is 11% (this is an annual amount)

$150,000 x .11 = $16,500  (this is the interest that is charged on an annual basis)

Now we have to divide it by 12 to determine the monthly interest cost.

$16,500 ÷ 12 = $1,375 monthly interest cost

It is important that you know how to calculate your interest rate because that is the monthly amount that is coming out of your pocket.

In conclusion

All investors should learn to master the 4 key real estate loan calculations no matter how long they have been in the game.  One of the most important is learning to calculate the interest rate. Again, this is the amount of money that will be coming out of your pocket monthly. By being prepared and knowing your numbers, the sky’s the limit to your success. To learn how to master the 3 remaining key real estate loan calculations, please visit our website.

If you have any other questions or need a run through to show how things work, please contact us today! 

Watch our most recent video to Master These 4 Key Real Estate Loan Calculations.

 

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DSCR Loan vs Traditional Loan – What’s BEST For You?

There are a variety of loans available to investors. Some of these include a traditional 30 year fixed, hybrid 40 year fixed, 5 year interest only, 10 year interest only and even adjustable. Depending on your cash flow and what you are needing, you can create the flexibility you need to succeed. Today we are going to discuss DSCR vs traditional loan. What’s best for you? Let’s take a look!

What is a prepay penalty?

When applying for a DSCR loan vs a traditional loan you need to take into consideration that a DSCR has prepay penalties.These are standard 3 or 5 year prepay penalty that will be charged if you refinance, sell, or pay the loan off in full before the 3 or 5 year mark. This is normally a 3, 2, 1 structure. Just to clarify, 3% would be charged if the loan is paid within the first year, 2% the second year, and 1% the third year. Traditional loans however do not have a prepay penalty. Instead investors can come and go as they please. Before considering a DSCR loan, take into consideration the duration that you will need the loan for. It could potentially cost you a significant amount to get out of the loan if you decide to pay it off early.

Understanding rates for a DSCR vs a traditional loan.

When we are looking at a traditional loan vs a DSCR loan the rates will vary. A DSCR loan could be up to a half point higher than a traditional loan. A DSCR loan typically has a higher interest rate. This is because the lender does not verify your income when you apply. Instead they calculate whether or not the property will cash flow. A traditional loan on the other hand does verify your income over a two year period. This provides them the security they need to offer a lower rate. Income verification is difficult for many real estate investors because they write as much off as possible on their taxes. A DSCR can help these investors to get a good loan as long as they have good credit.

Would you like to learn more about DSCR loans? Contact us today to see if a DSCR loan is the best for you! 

Watch our most recent video to find out more about DSCR Loan vs Traditional Loan – What’s BEST For You?

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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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Master These 4 Key Real Estate Loan Calculations

Today we are going to look at a few examples in order to help you visualize and master the 4 key real estate loan calculations. These 4 key calculations include how to calculate a point, simple interest, loan to ARV, and loan to value. It is important that you understand this when you are in real estate investing, because they will impact both your cash flow and closing costs. Grab your calculator, paper, and a pen! 

What is a point?

When a lender says that they are going to charge you 1 or 2 points, what exactly does that mean? A point in the lender world means percent. Therefore, 2 points for example equals 2%. To clarify, it’s 2% of your loan amount, as opposed to your purchase price. This percentage is the amount that you are paying in the origination to the lender and it is included in your closing costs. The closing costs will also include down payment, appraisal, just to name a few. Let’s jump into an example to see how to calculate point.

For example:

Loan for $150,000

They will charge you 2% 

Origination fee = $3,000

$150,000 x .02 = $3,000

You need to understand how to calculate a point because it will impact your closing cost and your overall cost of doing business. 

How do you calculate your interest rate?

Not only does DSCR have some interest only options, but private money and hard money do as well. Today, we are looking at how to calculate the monthly interest rate on a simple mortgage. Just to clarify, monthly interest and simple interest are one in the same. So, if a lender says that you are going to be charged 11% or 12% on your loan amount, what does that mean? First and foremost, that 11% or 12% is an annual amount not a monthly amount. Let’s jump into an example to see how you calculate the interest rate.

For example:

Loan for $150,000

Lender says the interest rate is 11% (this is an annual amount)

$150,000 x .11 = $16,500  (this is the interest that is charged on an annual basis)

Now we have to divide it by 12 to determine the monthly interest cost.

$16,500 ÷ 12 = $1,375 monthly interest cost

It is important that you know how to calculate your interest rate because that is the monthly amount that is coming out of your pocket.

How do you calculate loan to ARV?

ARV, which stands for the after repair value, is also referred to as the anticipated amount. To put it another way, this is what you estimate the value of the property to be after you have finished your flip. The ARV is based on comparables and the current market. When your lender lends you money, part of that money is going to be based on the calculated ARV. That loan amount is also dependent on the lender’s loan to ARV percentage. This percentage is found by dividing the loan amount by the ARV.  Let’s jump into an example and see how you calculate the loan to ARV percentage. 

For example:

In this market, with a property that is all fixed up, the ARV is $300,000

The lender is able to lend $210,000 (because it will be based on the ARV and what their loan to ARV is)

So in this case, we divide the $210,000 by the $300,000, which equals a loan to ARV percentage, which is 70%.

$210,000 ÷ $300,000 = .70 loan to ARV percentage (70%)

This is important to know because lending companies will say what percentage they loan based on the ARV. By crunching the numbers, you can easily determine what the lenders loan amount would be for your property.

How do you calculate LTV?

LTV stands for loan to value. The difference between loan to ARV and loan to value is what the value represents. The value in LTV is the current value of the property with nothing else changed on it. Meaning, what is the value now? What is the value today? How do you find the value? This normally comes off of comps or appraisals that are done by the lender. Let’s jump into an example and see how you calculate the LTV percentage. 

For example: 

Purchase price (current value) $200,000 

Loan amount $140,000

We are going to divide the loan amount by the purchase price.

$140,000 ÷ $200,000 = .70 LTV percentage (70%)

Again, by crunching the numbers, you can then determine what their loan amount would be for your property.

In conclusion

If you’re a new investor or even if you’re an old pro, you need to master these 4 key real estate loan calculations. As an investor these are the things that you are going to come across when you are working with lenders. 

If you have any other questions or need a run through to show how things work, please contact us today! 

Watch our most recent video to Master These 4 Key Real Estate Loan Calculations.

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Breaking Down the Numbers: How Rates Impact Your Cash Flow

Today we are going to break down the numbers in order to paint a picture of how rates impact your cash flow. Specifically, we want to illustrate how rates, credit scores, and LTV can affect your ability to cash flow on a property. While we are aware that the Fed is impacting us, it is important that we see what that looks like on paper. The example we are reviewing today will provide an excellent visual of how everything plays a role in the real estate game. DSCR is the product we are using today because it is one of the most popular out there.

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

What about Conventional and Fix and Flips?

This example is also representative of a conventional, and fix and flips as well. In a nutshell, the more you pay on interest, the less properties you can handle. 

What is the appraisal?

An appraisal determines the average of rents in the neighborhood and uses this amount in the underwriting. The amount can change depending on if you have a couple years of history with rents that exceed the determined amount. The increasing rates are making it extremely difficult for properties to hit the expected rent amount.

What is the DSCR rate?

DSCR rates are determined based on your LTV. A credit score below 680 typically lowers the LTV from 80% to 75%. Therefore, you would need to put in more money up front on each purchase. If you’re looking at a DSCR with a credit score of 679, you will either be declined or it will flip you into a non ratio DSCR. Which means that your rates are going to be higher. Is a DSCR loan right for you? Visit our website to find out more.

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!

In Conclusion.

It is vital that you understand how rates, credit scores, and LTV can all affect your ability to cash flow on a property. Today we painted a picture that provided a side by side comparison of 3 different people. This allowed us to illustrate how all of these components work together and impact the overall cash flow. Let today’s example empower you to take a closer look at your numbers in order to create more cash flow in 2024!

Check out our website to find 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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What Rates Should Investors Expect in 2024?

Now is the time to look at what rates investors should expect in 2024! I have been in finance a little over 35 years, and working with real estate investors for 24 years. While experience isn’t exactly a crystal ball, it does help guide investment decisions and identify market trends. We saw real estate predictions come to live in October of 2023 when rates did improve. As we begin to prepare for 2024, it is important that we follow the trends from Fannie Mae, NAR, and the Mortgage Brokers Association. Let’s take a closer look at the trends and what they mean to real estate investors.

What are some things to look for in 2024?

First and foremost we are going to see a more stable market. Let’s start by taking a look at Fannie Mae and focusing on the conventional rates specifically. Conventional includes people who are buying properties, flippers, and those who are refinancing a rental property. Fannie Mae predicts that rates will be between 7% and 7.6%. NAR on the other hand is more optimistic and anticipating rates to fall between 6% and 7%. We have already seen a shift and are hopeful that the rates will continue to follow this pattern! 

What about the Fed?

Nowadays the Fed is saying that they think inflation is under control, and in turn they are going to stop raising rates. However, this doesn’t always mean that it reflects 1:1 in the real estate world. In an investor’s world, there are all kinds of loans, which are all affected by different economic conditions. Rates will be better, but they will be volatile. This means that there will be months when rates are up, and months when rates are down. It is dependent on economic information, wars around the world, and the possible impact of 2024 being an election year.

Will rates ever go back down to 5%

In looking back at rates in 2023, we did see them pop up over 8%. However, real estate investors are optimistic that rates will go back down to 5% in the New Year. Many are asking when can we expect the rates to decrease? The decrease will continue to be seen in the conventional rates, which are tied to the 10 year treasury. What is the 10 year treasury? It is a bond issued by the United State Government that guarantees repayment of the money plus interest in 10 years. Even though the Fed dropped their rates and then raised them, the 2024 interest rate prediction is that rates will drop again in May. While they may not go down to 1:1, investors will see a significant decrease. 

In conclusion.

2024 expected rates indicate that real estate investors will see a decrease in the upcoming year. This will create more affordability and financing for buyers, as well as an opportunity for investors to sell some of their inventory. As rates go down, it will create wealth, income, and more opportunities. While we don’t have a crystal ball to predict the future, we can utilize trends and  experiences to guide us towards success. 

Here at The Cash Flow Company we have created a weekly mortgage report to keep you up to date on current changes and trends. 

Email us at info@thecashflowcompany.com to receive the weekly mortgage report updates or look for it on our website at www.thecashflowcompnay.com

Watch our most recent video to find out more about 2024 Interest Rate Predictions and the Investor Mortgage Report

 

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Key to Succeeding in Today’s Real Estate Market

The key to succeeding in today’s real estate market is consistency. If you are consistently looking at properties, finding lenders, and doing things correctly, then you will set yourself up for success. Things have changed dramatically compared to 10 to 12 years ago. Back then, there was a whole generation of investors who had an easier time navigating the market. They had lower rates, property values increasing, and lenders were throwing money at everyone. Nowadays, everything is tightening up. Lenders are disappearing, and those who are still lending are becoming more selective. It is imperative that investors stand out in this market and set themselves up correctly. In doing so, investors will get the best deals and set themselves up to win. 

How the market works

When interest rates go up, people can no longer afford to buy properties. The decrease in home sales results in a plateau or even a decrease in property values. Predictions are saying that rates will go back down to 5.5% in 18 months time. When they do, people will once again be able to afford to buy properties. As things loosen things up, there will be a wave of people coming into the market and buying properties. Investors who set themselves up in this market will win in the future.

Let’s look at an example

A property that you purchased a few years ago for $400K would now sell for $350K in this current market. When the wave comes back in 18 months to two years, that same property will be selling for $450 to $500K! That’s a great return. During these cycles, many people start running away and stop buying properties. These are the times when smart investors come in and buy. If they are able to hold onto it until rates improve, then they will in turn reap the benefits of the better rates and generate greater cash flow.

Customer success story

In 2010 I helped someone buy 10 homes in a year, without him putting any money in. Back then, the properties were cash flowing $500 per month because he had bought them at such good numbers. Fast forward to 2022. He only owes on 3 of the properties and has paid off the other 7. They have all increased in both the property value and rent by 3x and even 4x on a few of the homes. In only one year he set himself up for the rest of his life. This is all because he bought when everyone else was running away. 

In conclusion

Remember that consistency is the key to succeeding in this market. From finding properties, to locating lenders, and setting things up correctly, consistency will create success. This is the best market to get deals in. When rates go back down, which they will, it will create a wave of people coming into the market and buying properties. Now is the time to get ahead of the wave of success. In doing so, you will be able to take advantage of lower rates, increase your property value, and most importantly create cash flow.

Contact us today to find out more about the changing times and what you need to do to get ahead of the wave.

Watch our most recent video to find out more about the Key to Succeeding in Today’s Real Estate Market

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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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Interest rates are currently high, but they’re likely to start falling in 2024. What can you do now so that you’re prepared to build wealth when interest rates drop?

It’s important to look at the patterns of those interest rates so we can project where they’ll be over the next few years.

Real estate investing is one of the most accessible ways to create generational wealth. It takes two things to be successful:

  1. Leverage: knowing how to use other people’s money (bank loans, etc.) to turn a profit
  2. Math: know how the numbers work so you can use them to your advantage.

Even though interest rates are currently high, if we understand how to use leverage and math to our benefit, we’ll be creating wealth in no time.

Falling Interest Rates Generate Generational Wealth… If You’re Prepared.

If you buy when interest rates are high, you’re going to increase your income as rates fall by refinancing. This puts money back in your pocket. You’re also going to increase your net worth even if you don’t sell.

Refinancing when rates fall is a great way to create the income you need to begin a sustainable investment cycle. 

Also, this strategy also naturally lets you diversify lines of credit, cross liens, etc. that allow you to increase your portfolio.

Time to Buy

Here’s the bottom line: rates are going to fall, and if you buy now, you’ll build income without needing to invest in additional investments. 

This is the time to be buying investment properties.

We’re moving into a market where there’s going to be a lot of demand for properties. As rates fall, more people will be looking to buy. Get ahead of that rush, and use the dropping rates to put money in your pocket.

Resources

It’s important to keep your finger on the pulse as a real estate investor — especially if you’re serious about generating wealth. We have a weekly Investor Mortgage Report that keeps you updated on DSCRs, bank rates, private money, and market trends so you can be an informed investor.

Things change rapidly. Rates may rise through the end of 2023, but the moment they start to fall, you want to be prepared.

If you’d like to be put on the Investor Report email list, or if you have questions about how to get started as an investor, reach out to us at Mike@TheCashFlowCompany.com.

 

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