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!