DSCR Loan Program: What Is It and How to Get Approved
Most real estate investors use conventional mortgage loans to finance their investments. After all, it is the most widely available type of loan.
However, there are actually lesser-known loan options that are more flexible and could be more suitable for some investors. The thing is, there can be things involved in the application process that you might not be familiar with.
One of these real estate investment financing options is the DSCR loan program. In this article, you’ll learn exactly what DSCR loans are, how to get approved for them, and what makes them an attractive financing option for real estate investments.
What Is DSCR Mortgage
Essentially, DSCR stands for Debt Service Coverage Ratio. DSCR loans provide a different way of calculating creditworthiness than the traditional income-to-debt ratio used in conventional mortgages. With these programs, lenders use your rental property’s monthly cash flow and evaluate it against the total debt payment you must make each month.
In other words, DSCR loans require that there is enough cash flow coming into your rental property every month to cover all of your debt payments (mortgage plus interest). If your rental property can generate sufficient income to cover its expenses and still leave you with a profit, DSCR financing could be an ideal option for you.
How To Calculate DSCR
The DSCR calculation is simple: DSCR = Net Operating Income (NOI)/Total Debt Service. NOI is the rental income from your rental property minus all operating expenses, such as taxes, insurance, utilities, and repairs. Total debt service, on the other hand, includes mortgage payments plus interest.
If your DSCR figure comes out to 1 or higher, then you are likely to be approved for DSCR financing. This means that your rental property generates enough revenue each month to cover its own costs, plus the additional mortgage payments and interest associated with taking out a loan.
DSCR Loan Qualifications
Most lenders would see you as eligible for their loans if you meet certain qualifications. You will have a better chance of getting your DSCR application approved if you fall into the following criteria.
1. Employed
Working for a company for at least two years gives lenders assurance that you can meet their repayment requirements. That is why some lenders would ask for employment documents, even if DSCR loans do not require income verification.
So, before you apply for this type of financing, make sure that you have proof of your employment.
2. Has a Stable Source of Income
Even if you do not have an employment record with a company, being self-employed or having other sources of income can still help you acquire a DSCR loan.
For example, you will still be qualified if you have your own profitable business or already have an existing rental portfolio. DSCR loans are often used to take out additional mortgages on rental properties, so having a few already established can help boost your chances of getting approved.
3. Purchasing the Property for Long-Term Profit
In essence, a debt service loan is designed to finance properties that will be used for long-term investments. DSCR lenders want to know that you are serious about making money from your rental property and have the plan to do so.
So, when applying for DSCR financing, make sure that you have done your research on the property you are buying and can explain why it is a good long-term investment prospect.
4. Has Real Estate Experience
Generally speaking, it is much easier for those who already have real estate experience under their belt to get a DSCR mortgage. Having prior real estate investments, knowledge of the market, and experience in rental property management will also help you get approved for DSCR financing faster.
5. No Bankruptcies or Foreclosures in the Last 2 Years
If you had any bankruptcies or foreclosures in the past two years, it would be difficult to get approved for DSCR financing. Lenders want assurance that their borrowers can pay back the loan with minimal risk, and this history puts them off from approving applications.
However, some lenders are more lenient when it comes to their DSCR loan qualifications. Some would accept your application if you have an explanation as to why the bankruptcy or foreclosure occurred, such as medical issues or job loss.
Remember that DSCR financing can be a great way to finance your rental property and help you generate long-term profits. With this in mind, make sure that you do all the necessary research and meet their qualifications so that they will approve your loan application!
6 Basic DSCR Loan Requirements
Like other types of property investment loans, there are also DSCR loan requirements that you need to comply with before you get assessed for approval. The usual prerequisites are the following.
1. DSCR Report
First of all, lenders will ask for a DSCR report from you. This report is basically like a credit score and will give lenders an idea of whether or not you can pay back their loan based on your current rental income and other financial obligations.
This document would usually contain details like your rental income, credit score, debt-to-income ratio, and other relevant financial information.
2. Down Payment
While there is no fixed amount for a DSCR loan program down payment, lenders usually want to see that you have enough funds to cover a certain percentage of the property purchase. This is why having your own savings can help you get approved for financing faster, as it shows them that you are financially capable and responsible.
3. Credit History Report
The ideal credit score for a DSCR mortgage is usually between 650 and 700. Lenders will assess your credit score to determine the likelihood of you being able to pay back the loan on time. Having a good credit history can give them more assurance that their money will not go down the drain if they approve your loan application.
In case your credit score is lower than 650, then do not fret. You can always take some steps to improve it and eventually get approved. For example, you can pay off some debts, apply for credit cards to increase your score, and reduce your overall debt-to-income ratio.
4. Proof of Income
As previously mentioned, lenders will want to see if you have a steady source of income to cover your debt service payments. So, make sure to provide them with proof of income in the form of bank statements or tax returns.
5. Property Eligibility Report
It is important to remember that not all properties are eligible for DSCR financing. To get approved, you must provide a property eligibility report to the lender. Typically, this type of loan is used to finance rental properties. This means that the property you are trying to purchase must have a rental income that is at least equal to the DSCR loan’s debt service payments.
This document should also show that the property you are buying has all of its required permits, is free of liens, and is in compliance with local zoning laws.
6. Cash Reserves
In some situations, lenders may require you to have some cash reserves. This is usually the case if they think that your rental income might not be enough to cover the cost of the loan. Having cash reserves will show them that you still have the financial capability to pay back the loan even if something unexpected happens, like tenants leaving or a sudden drop in rent payments.
When it comes to DSCR loan programs, lenders want assurance that their borrowers have the potential to make a profit from their investments and are able to pay back their loans on time. If you meet all of the DSCR requirements mentioned above, then you should have no problem getting approved.
Fees That Come with DSCR Mortgage
As with other types of mortgage products, a DSCR loan program also comes with some fees.
- Appraisal Fee – This is charged to have the property appraised by an independent third party. This gives lenders assurance that they are financing a property with enough value.
- Origination Fee – This is basically an administrative charge for processing the DSCR loan. It can range from 1-5% of the total loan amount, depending on the lender.
- Document Preparation Fee – This is usually a flat fee that covers the cost of preparing all the documents necessary for the loan.
- Closing Costs – These are costs associated with closing the DSCR loan, such as title insurance and recording fees.
Apart from these, there might be other miscellaneous fees that you have to pay depending on the lender. For example, some lenders might charge a fee for conducting an analysis of the DSCR report. Or, they might require a credit report review fee.
With DSCR loan programs, you have to pay more than just the loan amount. So, make sure to ask the lender about it before signing on the dotted line.
What Makes DSCR Mortgage Attractive for Real Estate Investors
For starters, DSCR mortgages offer a higher loan-to-value (LTV) ratio than traditional loans. This means that you can borrow more money with DSCR financing compared to other types of mortgages. This is especially beneficial if you are looking to buy a property with limited equity.
Another great benefit is the flexibility it offers in terms of repayment options. These loans can be paid back on an amortizing or interest-only basis, depending on your preference. This makes DSCR mortgage products ideal for those who want to maximize their return on investment and keep more cash in their pocket.
Finally, DSCR loans are relatively easy to get approved for compared to other types of mortgages. As long as you meet the DSCR requirements and have a strong DSCR report, there is a high chance that your loan application will be approved.
Final Thoughts
A DSCR loan program is a great option for real estate investors who want to purchase rental properties. They offer flexibility in terms of repayment and can help you maximize your return on investment. The DSCR requirements are also relatively easy to meet, so long as you provide the lender with all the necessary documents.
However, you still need due diligence to ensure that you are getting the best mortgage product out there. With a bit of research and comparison, you should be able to find one that fits your needs and budget.
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