Tag Archive for: real estate investing

How to Calculate Your DSCR Ratio

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Today we are going to discuss how to calculate your DSCR ratio. Understanding your DSCR (Debt Service Coverage Ratio) is key for any real estate investor. This number shows if your property makes enough income to cover its debt payments. Lenders use it to see if your investment is a smart bet. Luckily, calculating it is simple.

Here’s the formula:

DSCR = Net Operating Income (NOI) ÷ Total Debt Payments

Start with your property’s NOI. This is all the income it brings in, minus operating expenses like maintenance, property management, and taxes. For example, if your rental brings in $2,500 monthly and expenses are $500, your NOI is $2,000.

Next, add up your debt payments. This includes your monthly mortgage, insurance, and other loan costs. If these total $1,800, your DSCR is:
$2,000 ÷ $1,800 = 1.11

A DSCR over 1.0 means the property earns enough to cover its debts. Lenders often like to see 1.2 or higher, but it depends on the loan type.

Why does it matter?

Why does this matter? If your DSCR is too low, it might mean you’ll struggle to pay your bills. But a high DSCR shows lenders that you’re a safe bet.

By knowing your DSCR, you can plan smarter. For example, if your DSCR is tight, you might look at lowering expenses or finding a property with stronger cash flow.

So, run the numbers. It’s a small step that helps you, and your lender, see the big picture.

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Do you need help learning how to calculate your DSCR ratio? Contact us today to find out more about 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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How Interest Rates Will Impact Rentals in 2025

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Today we will be discussing how interest rates will impact rentals in 2025. Real estate investors always have one eye on the market and the other on their financing. With 2025 just around the corner, it’s time to discuss how changing interest rates can affect your rental properties. Being prepared isn’t just about understanding the rates, it’s about having the right strategies and resources in place.

Let’s dive into what to expect, how to plan, and how to keep your investments profitable.

What Higher Interest Rates Mean for Rentals

When interest rates go up, borrowing costs rise too. For investors, this means higher monthly payments for mortgages or loans, which can shrink your rental income.

Here’s a simple example:

  • If your loan balance is $200,000 at 5%, your monthly interest payment is $833.
  • At 7%, that payment jumps to $1,166—a $333 increase per month!

Multiply that by a year, and suddenly, your rental profit margins are much tighter.

The Tale of Two Investors

Higher interest rates don’t affect everyone the same way. Here’s a story to show the difference between being prepared and being caught off guard.

Investor 1: Money Ready and Prepared
Investor 1 had a rental property worth $400,000 with a 15% profit goal of $60,000. They planned carefully, budgeting for all costs and unexpected expenses like taxes, insurance, and maintenance. Even when costs rose, they had reserves ready.

The result? They completed the project on time, stayed within budget, and walked away with $55,000 in profit, just $5,000 short of their goal.

Investor 2: Unprepared for the Costs
Investor 2 aimed for the same $60,000 profit but didn’t budget for surprises. When unplanned expenses hit, like a $7,500 repair, they scrambled to find funds. This delay caused contractors to move on to other jobs, adding weeks to their timeline.

By the end of the project, Investor 2 faced extra interest, taxes, and insurance costs. They even had to drop the price by 5%, losing an additional $20,000. Their final profit? Just $15,000, and months of unnecessary stress.

What Can You Do to Stay Profitable?

Planning is key to thriving in a market with rising interest rates. Here are three steps to help you stay ahead:

  1. Know Your Costs
    Create a detailed budget for every rental property. Include purchase price, rehab costs, carrying costs, and a cushion for unexpected expenses.
  2. Be Money Ready
    Have at least 20–40% of your project’s total budget available in reserves. This can include savings, lines of credit, or trusted partners who can step in if needed.
  3. Move Quickly
    Delays are costly. Stick to your schedule and keep contractors on track. The faster you finish a project, the less you’ll spend on carrying costs.

How 2025 Could Work in Your Favor

While rising rates sound scary, they can create opportunities for prepared investors. Less competition from underfunded investors means more deals for those who are ready. Plus, rents often increase when interest rates rise, helping offset higher borrowing costs.

For example:

  • If a rental property’s monthly mortgage payment goes up by $300 due to higher rates, raising the rent by $150–200 per unit can bridge the gap while still remaining competitive.

Set Up Your Money Buckets

One of the best ways to prepare is by having your “money buckets” ready. This means having funds available for:

  • Down payments
  • Unexpected repairs
  • Holding costs (taxes, insurance, and HOA fees)

If you’re unsure how to get your buckets in order, we’re here to help. We can guide you through setting up reserves and finding the right lenders for your goals.

Speed Is the Name of the Game

In 2025, speed will matter more than ever. The faster you close deals and finish projects, the better your chances of staying profitable. Remember, delays can eat away at profits, so being prepared will keep you ahead of the curve.

Get Help So You Don’t Make Costly Mistakes

At the end of the day, preparation is the difference between enjoying rental income and stressing over every expense. If you want to stay on track and maximize your profits, reach out to us. We can help you build the right plan, so you can:

  • Profit more
  • Stress less
  • Enjoy investing in real estate!

By following these steps, you’ll be ready to tackle 2025 with confidence, no matter how interest rates shift.

Contact us today and watch our most recent video to find out more about: How Interest Rates Will Impact Rentals in 2025

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The Importance of Leverage in Real Estate Investing

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Today we are going to discuss the importance of leverage in real estate investing. Leverage is a game-changer in real estate investing. It’s what allows you to grow your portfolio faster without needing stacks of cash. Think of it like using a small lever to lift a big rock. With the right tool and technique, you can do a lot with a little.

Here’s an example: imagine you want to buy a $200,000 rental property. Instead of paying the full amount, you use leverage, a loan, to cover most of it. You put down $40,000 and borrow the rest. The rent from the property pays the loan, and you still build equity as the property’s value increases.

Leverage isn’t just about getting more properties. It’s about creating opportunities. You can use it to renovate a fixer-upper, buy into a growing market, or even free up cash for other investments.

But here’s the key: leverage works best when used wisely. Taking on too much debt or ignoring the numbers can backfire. It’s like riding a bike downhill, exciting, but you need control.

With smart planning, leverage can help you grow wealth while keeping your money working for you. It’s a powerful tool for anyone serious about real estate. Want to dive deeper? Explore money buckets more on our website! 

Contact Us Today! 

How can you maximize your profits as a real estate investor? Contact us today to find out more about the importance of leverage in real estate investing!

Free Tools For You! 

We also have free tools available! Download the Your Money Buckets to make sure that you have the leverage you need to succeed.

Learn more!

Visit our YouTube channel to learn more about real estate investing and how you can maximize your profits! 

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How Can Business Credit Cards Help Your Credit Score?

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Did you know that business credit cards can help your credit score? It might sound surprising, but these cards can play a big role in building your credit when used the right way. Let’s break it down.

For starters, business credit cards often don’t report spending to your personal credit unless you miss payments. This means you can keep your personal credit utilization low, which is a big factor in your credit score. For example, if your personal card is maxed out for a home project, using a business card instead can keep your credit healthy.

Another perk? On-time payments. Just like personal credit cards, paying your business card on time shows lenders you’re reliable. Over time, this good habit adds positive marks to your credit history.

Lastly, opening a business credit card adds to your available credit. Let’s say you have a $10,000 limit across your personal cards. If you get a business card with a $5,000 limit, your total credit jumps to $15,000. This lowers your credit utilization percentage, which can bump up your score.

With these benefits, business credit cards can be a smart tool to build and protect your credit. But remember, like all credit tools, they work best when handled with care. Ready to dive deeper? Give us a call to see how business credit cards can set you up for success!

Contact Us Today! 

Not sure where to start? Contact us today to find out more about how business credit cards can help your credit score.

Free Tools For You! 

We also have free tools available! Download the Credit Score Checklist to see if your credit score is in the right place for your investment needs.

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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Real Estate Investors: How to Control Your Interest Rates in 2025

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Today we are going to discuss how to control your interest rates in 2025. Interest rates play a big role in your real estate success. Whether you’re flipping properties or building your rental portfolio, knowing how to manage interest rates is a game-changer. Let’s dive into how you can make interest rates work for you in 2025 using strategies straight from real-world examples.

How Rates Impact Fix-and-Flips

Interest rates can make or break your ability to sell a property. Here’s how they affect your buyers and your profits:

Example: Rates and Affordability

Imagine a consumer shopping for a home at today’s rate of 7.12%. At that rate, they might afford a $400,000 house. But if rates drop to 6.12%, their affordability jumps to $440,000 — a $40,000 difference. If rates drop further to 5.5%, they could afford a $490,000 home.

The larger the buyer pool that can afford your property, the more competition you create. That competition helps you sell faster or for a higher price.

Strategy: Buy Down the Rate

If rates are high, you can buy down your buyer’s rate to make your property more attractive. For example:

  • A $440,000 property might cost you 2.5% of the loan amount to buy down the rate.
  • With a loan amount of $352,000 (80% of the purchase price), the cost to buy down the rate is around $8,800.

This investment can save you from dropping your price by $20,000 to $40,000 just to attract buyers. You keep your profits high while expanding your buyer pool.

How Rates Impact Rental Properties

For rental investors, interest rates directly affect your cash flow and your ability to qualify for loans.

Example: Local Banks vs. DSCR Loans

Let’s say you need a $250,000 loan for a rental property. At a 7% rate on a DSCR loan, your monthly principal and interest (P&I) would be $1,664.

But local banks and credit unions often offer lower rates, like 5.5%, for short-term fixed loans. At 5.5%, your payment drops to $1,458, saving you over $200 per month. That’s extra cash flow in your pocket or the difference between qualifying for a loan or not.

Strategy: Match Your Loan to Your Market

If you expect rates to drop in a few years, a short-term fixed loan from a local bank can be a great option. You lock in a lower rate now and refinance later if rates improve. This strategy keeps your rental property profitable and cash-flow positive, even in a challenging market.

Crush It in 2025!

2025 might bring steady interest rates between 5.5% and 7.5%. Instead of waiting for rates to drop, you can take control:

  1. For flips: Buy down rates to increase affordability and attract more buyers.
  2. For rentals: Explore local bank options for lower rates and better cash flow.

Understanding interest rates and using these strategies puts you ahead of the game. The bigger your buyer pool or rental margin, the more money you’ll make. Let’s make 2025 your most profitable year yet!

Have questions or need guidance? Reach out to learn how to optimize your rates and deals. We’re here to help!

Watch our most recent video to find out more about: Real Estate Investors: How to Control Your Interest Rates in 2025

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Why Loan Terms Matter for Real Estate Investors

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Why do loan terms matter for real estate investors? Loan terms can make or break your real estate investment. They decide how much you’ll pay each month and how quickly you’ll see profits. For investors, understanding loan terms is key to making smart choices.

Imagine you’re flipping a house. A short-term loan with high monthly payments might eat into your profit if the flip takes longer than expected. On the other hand, a rental property might benefit from a longer-term loan with lower payments, freeing up cash flow.

Here’s another example: Two investors borrow $100,000. Investor A has a loan with a 15-year term and a 5% interest rate. Investor B has a 30-year term at the same rate. While Investor A pays off the loan faster, their payments are much higher. Investor B pays less each month, which can free up money for other investments.

The right loan terms depend on your goals. Are you looking to flip and move on quickly? Or do you want steady cash flow from a rental? Knowing how terms affect your costs and profits can help you plan better deals.

Loan terms might seem like a small detail, but they’re the foundation of a successful investment. In the world of real estate, every dollar counts. Choosing the right terms means keeping more of those dollars in your pocket.

Contact Us Today! 

How can you maximize your profits as a real estate investor? Contact us today to find out more!

Free Tools For You! 

We also have free tools available! Download the Loan Cost Optimizer to see which loan is best for your investment property.

Learn more!

Visit our YouTube channel to learn more about real estate investing and how you can maximize your profits! 

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Apartment Buildings as Investment Properties

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Apartment buildings can be a game-changer for real estate investors. They offer a way to earn consistent cash flow and build long-term wealth. Whether you’re new to real estate or a seasoned pro, apartments can open up new opportunities.

Take this example: A small 6-unit apartment building in a growing neighborhood. Each unit rents for $1,000 a month. That’s $6,000 in monthly income! Of course, you’ll have expenses like a mortgage, maintenance, and taxes. But after those, the profit can still be solid.

Apartments are also great because they spread out risk. If one tenant moves out, the others can help cover costs. Compare that to a single-family home, when it’s empty, you’re paying all the bills yourself.

Plus, apartments let you scale up faster. With one property, you can manage multiple income streams instead of juggling several separate houses. That can save time and money.

Investing in apartments isn’t just about money, it’s about smart strategy. They work best in areas with high demand for rentals, like near colleges or bustling city centers. Start small and learn as you go.

If you’re looking to grow your portfolio, apartment buildings might be the next big step. They’re not without challenges, but the rewards can be well worth it.

Contact Us Today! 

How can you maximize your profits as a real estate investor? Contact us today to find out more!

Free Tools For You! 

We also have free tools available! Download the Quick Deal Analyzer to see if your potential rental property is going to be a good investment!

Learn more!

Visit our YouTube channel to learn more about real estate investing and how you can maximize your profits! 

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Conventional vs DSCR Interest Rates

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When it comes to real estate investing, understanding interest rates can make or break your deals. Whether you’re financing a rental property or a fix-and-flip, it’s essential to know the difference between conventional vs DSCR (Debt Service Coverage Ratio) interest rates. Let’s break it all down so you can stay ahead of the game.

What Impacts Interest Rates?

You may have noticed that even when the Federal Reserve cuts rates, mortgage rates don’t always follow. Why? It all comes down to supply and demand in the market.

  • DSCR Rates: These track closely with the 5-year treasury note.
  • Conventional Rates: These are tied to the 10-year treasury note.

Both types of loans adjust based on market conditions, not directly on Fed decisions.

How to Track DSCR and Conventional Rates

Knowing where rates are headed is key to timing your deals. Here’s how you can stay informed:

DSCR Rates

DSCR loans rely on the 5-year treasury rate, with an added margin. For example, if the 5-year treasury rate is 4.2%, and lenders add 2.75%, your DSCR rate would be around 7%.

  • Example: The 5-year treasury peaked at 4.64% recently but is now in the 4.2–4.3% range. If you’re ready to lock in, this can make a big difference in your payment.

Conventional Rates

Conventional loans follow the 10-year treasury rate, with margins that vary. Typically, lenders add about 2–2.5 points, though it can go higher.

  • Example: If the 10-year treasury rate is 4.41%, conventional rates might range from 6.5% to 7% depending on market conditions and lender fees.

Why Timing Matters

Rates don’t stay still—they move up and down daily, sometimes by 10 to 20 basis points. This is why being ready to lock in during a micro dip can save you thousands.

Micro Dips in Action

When the 5-year treasury dips, DSCR rates follow. For instance:

  • September Example: After rates hit a high, a brief drop occurred as the market believed inflation was under control. But when traders realized inflation wasn’t tamed, rates bounced back up.

The same goes for conventional loans, where dips depend on shifts in the 10-year treasury.

Tools to Stay Informed

You don’t need to monitor rates all day. Here’s how to stay in the loop:

  1. Check Online: Search “Today’s 5-year treasury rate” or “Today’s 10-year treasury rate” on MarketWatch or similar sites.
  2. Subscribe to Reports: The Cash Flow Company’s weekly Mortgage Report keeps you updated on DSCR and conventional rates.
  3. Use Alerts: Sign up for tools like our A-List, where you’ll get notified when rates hit your target.

What’s Ahead for Rates?

In the next year, expect fluctuations:

  • DSCR Rates: Likely to hover between the mid-6% to low-7% range.
  • Conventional Rates: May stay between high-5% to low-7%, depending on inflation and the economy.

This means staying proactive and informed is crucial for locking in the best deals.

Final Thoughts

Interest rates are more than just numbers—they’re the key to cash flow, affordability, and the success of your investments. By tracking treasury rates and timing your loans during dips, you can optimize your deals and maximize your returns.

If you’re unsure where to start, tools like our Mortgage Report and A-List we are here to help.

Ready to learn more? Check out our Investor Mortgage Report for the latest investor forecast for 2024.

Watch our most recent video to find out more about: Conventional vs DSCR Interest Rates

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Real Estate Investing: How Important Is Your Credit Score?

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Many real estate investors ask “how important is your score?” when looking at financing options. In a nutshell, your credit score is like your real estate reputation. It tells lenders how trustworthy you are when it comes to paying back loans. But how much does it really matter in real estate investing? The answer: it depends on your goals and the type of loans you need.

Financing Options:

For example, if you want a traditional mortgage, your credit score plays a big role. A high one could mean lower rates and better terms. But if you’re using a loan like a DSCR (Debt Service Coverage Ratio) loan, lenders focus more on the property’s income than your personal credit.

The Power of Cash Flow:

Let’s say you’re buying a rental property with solid cash flow. Even if your score isn’t perfect, a DSCR loan might still work for you. On the flip side, if you’re planning to fix and flip homes, hard money lenders may prioritize the deal itself over your credit.

Save Money Today:

While your credit score isn’t everything, it can save you money. Higher ones often unlock lower rates, meaning smaller payments over time. But don’t let a low score stop you. Real estate investing has many paths, and you can find one that fits your situation.

So, how important is your credit score? It depends on the path you take, but knowing where you stand is always a smart first step.

Contact Us Today! 

How important is your credit score based on your investment goals? Contact us today to find out more about common mistakes and how you can get back on track.

Free Tools For You! 

We also have free tools available! Download the Credit Score Checklist to see if your credit score is in the right place for your investment needs.

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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What is BRRRR?

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BRRRR is a game-changer for real estate investors looking to build wealth. It stands for Buy, Rehab, Rent, Refinance, Repeat. This strategy not only helps you grow a portfolio of rental properties, but allows you to do so with less money out of pocket.

Here’s how it works:

  • Buy: Start by finding a property that needs some love, usually at a discount. For example, you might find a fixer-upper for $120,000 in a growing neighborhood.
  • Rehab: Fix it up to increase its value. Say you spend $30,000 to renovate—new flooring, updated kitchen, fresh paint, and more.
  • Rent: Once it’s ready, rent it out to a tenant. The rent covers your mortgage and even gives you a little extra each month.
  • Refinance: Here’s the key. Refinance the property based on its new value. If it’s now worth $200,000, you can pull out cash to pay off the original loan and some of the rehab costs.
  • Repeat: Use that cash to buy your next property and repeat the cycle.

It’s a smart way to leverage your money. With each property, you’re creating cash flow, building equity, and scaling your portfolio. Done right, BRRRR can help you grow faster than traditional investing.

Contact Us Today! 

How can you maximize your profits as a real estate investor? Contact us today to find out more!

Free Tools For You! 

We also have free tools available! Download the BRRRR Roadmap today to see if your potential rental property is going to be a good investment!

Learn more!

Visit our YouTube channel to learn more about real estate investing and how you can maximize your profits! 

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