Debt Service Coverage Ratio: |
A DSCR loan is the perfect mortgage for real estate investors! If you cannot qualify for a conventional loan, DSCR loans are a great option. Without having to submit tax returns and W-2s, you can secure capital to invest in rental properties with a DSCR loan. Answer a few quick questions to get started on your journey in investing in rental property with a DSCR loan today. |
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Debt Service Coverage Ratio: No-Income Mortgage Loan |
Qualify for a home loan without using your tax returns with a DSCR loan program. As a real estate investor, you can avoid high rates and high points of private loans, lengthy approval processes, and strict lending criteria with a debt service coverage ratio loan, which is a type of no-income loan. Qualify for a loan based on your property's cash flow, not your income. |
What Is the Debt Service Coverage Ratio (DSCR)? |
The debt service coverage ratio is a ratio of a property's annual gross rental income and its annual mortgage debt, including principal, interest, taxes, insurance, and HOA (if applicable). Lenders use DSCR to analyze how much of a loan can be supported by the income coming from the property as well as to determine how much income coverage there will be at a specific loan amount. Lenders do not take into account expenses such as management, maintenance, utilities, vacancy rate, or repairs in the debt-service-coverage ratio calculation. |
Debt Service Coverage Ratio (DSCR) Definition : |
A metric that compares a property's annual gross rental income to tis annual debt obligations. This metric helps lenders determine whether the revenue a property generates can realistically support loan payments. |
What Is a DSCR Loan? |
A DSCR loan makes buying a house with low or no income possible. A DSCR loan is a type of Non-QM loan for real estate investors. Lenders use a DSCR to help qualify real estate investors for a loan because it can easily determine the borrower's ability to repay without verifying personal income. A DSCR loan is one of several types of home loans referred to as Non-QM loans. Non-QM loans provide potential borrowers with an alternative route to financing, which doesn't require traditional income verification methods. A DSCR loan, in particular, makes it easier to show rental income that might not show up on your taxes due to deductions for legitimate business expenses. A DSCR loan enables real estate investors to get a loan because it takes into account cash flow from investment properties rather than pay stubs or W-2s, which many investors do not typically have. Lenders use DSCR to evaluate a borrower's ability to make monthly loan payments. Deductions from properties may lower taxable income, making it hard for investors to prove their true income. Lenders use DSCR to determine whether someone can make loan repayments. Otherwise, many investors might struggle to meet the basic eligibility standards for real estate loans. Since they don't require pay stubs or tax returns showing minimum income levels, debt service coverage ratio loans are a great alternative for investors who claim many write-offs and business deductions. |
How Does a DSCR Loan Work? |
Because real estate investors write off expenses on their properties, some may not qualify for a conventional loan. The debt service coverage ratio loan allows these individuals to qualify more easily because they don't require proof of income via tax returns or pay stubs that investors either don't have or that don't represent their true income due to write-offs and business deductions. |
Real estate investors looking for home-buying tips should consider a DSCR loan because it's ideal for properties you intend to rent out or otherwise turn into income-generating properties. From renting to a long-term tenant or operating a short-term rental business on Airbnb, there are many situations where a DSCR loan is a good option, especially if you don't have W-2 income. |
Some of the property types you can use a DSCR loan for include: |
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Many real estate investors tend to use DSCR loans for rental income properties that allow them to open up new revenue streams. If you're interested in purchasing or building a property and unsure about whether you can use a DSCR loan to do so, reach out to Fidelity Residential. We can help you decide whether a DSCR loan is right for you. |
Pros and Cons of DSCR Loans |
As you determine whether a DSCR loan is right for you, it's important to weigh the pros and cons. Below we go into more detail about the benefits of DSCR loans, as well as some of the drawbacks. |
Benefits of DSCR loans |
DSCR loans are often easier to qualify for and offer a streamlined approval process because there's no personal income or job history requirement. Advantages of DSCR loans include the following: |
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Cons of DSCR loans |
Unfortunately, like all types of loans, DSCR loans have some risks and drawbacks that may not make them suitable for every borrower. The cons of DSCR loans include the following: |
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DSCR Loan Requirements |
DSCR loans have specific requirements that borrowers must meet to secure this type of loan. The key DSCR loan requirements include: |
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What Is a Good DSCR Ratio? |
Many lenders will require a 1.25 DSCR to qualify for a DSCR mortgage loan. However, Fidelity Residential allows real estate investors to qualify for a loan with a DSCR as low as .75 so that they can qualify with the cash flow of their property. Please note that interest rates are better on DSCR ratios of 1 or above and that a DSCR ratio of less than 1 requires 12 months of reserves. Real estate investors can increase the DSCR by choosing an interest-only loan and/or a 40yr term to maximize cash flow. When considering what a good DSCR ratio is, lenders need to ensure that a borrower is able to pay back the loan. Fidelity Residential offers no-ratio DSCR loans below a .75 ratio with a larger down payment and excellent credit. It is possible to acquire negative cashflow investment properties if it makes financial sense. |
Negative Cash Flow DSCR Loans |
Negative cashflow DSCR loans, also known as no ratio DSCR loans, are riskier and, therefore, come with stricter underwriting standards and higher down payments. |
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What are the reasons that you should consider acquiring a negative cash flow property using a no ratio DSCR loan? |
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In the current market particularly, the allure to engage in an equity play is high, speculating on a 20-30% price increase should interest rates fall, with the aim of achieving quick financial gains. Many investors are willing to endure short-term losses on rents, banking on substantial appreciation in the coming years. However, most experts assert that, while investing in real estate, it is crucial not to lose focus on the fundamentals. They maintain that any appreciation should be regarded as a bonus, not a given certainty. Another more precarious rationale involves situations where the property does not generate positive cash flow at the prevailing Debt Service Coverage Ratio (DSCR) interest rates; however, it could potentially do so if interest rates decline in the future, coupled with the average annual rent growth. The strategy here is to acquire the property now and opt for rate/term refinancing later, or sell if values escalate sufficiently. Relying on a decrease in interest rates is generally not advisable as interest rates are, to a large extent, beyond one's control. Investment properties should either be generating cash flow presently or have a robust plan in place to ensure positive cash flow in the future. Avoid purchasing a property with negative cash flow if you lack a strategic plan to enhance rents. The team at Fidelity Residential can review historical appreciation in your market; if it reveals an area with sluggish growth and minimal pent-up buying demand, you might not realize quick profits even when the market shifts. If the property doesn't generate positive cash flow with your loan calculated at the prevailing DSCR rates, and there is no avenue to raise rents, it may not yield positive cash flow for a prolonged period, potentially becoming a financial drain. Overpaying or investing in unfruitful ventures is something everyone wants to steer clear off. |
DSCR Formula Calculation |
The debt service coverage ratio formula is the annual gross rental income divided by the debt obligations of the property. |
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Please note that net operating income (NOI), capitalization rate (Cap Rate), cash on cash return (COCR), and return on investment (ROI) are not considered for DSCR mortgage loan qualifying purposes. |
Example of Debt Service Coverage Ratio Calculation |
A real estate investor might be looking at a property with a gross rental income of $50,000 and an annual debt of $40,000. When you divide $50,000 by $40,000, you get a DSCR of 1.25, which means that the property generates 25% more income than what is necessary to repay the loan. This also means that there is a positive cash flow in the lender's eye. |
Why Does DSCR Matter? |
The debt service coverage ratio lets the lender know how to determine a borrower's ability to pay off their DSCR mortgage. Lenders must forecast how much a real estate property can rent for so that they can predict a property's rental value. If you have a DSCR of less than 1.0, it means that a property has the potential for negative cash flow. DSCR loans can still be made on properties with less than a 1 ratio however they usually are purchase loans with home improvements, upgrades, or remodeling to be made to increase the monthly rent or for homes with high equity and potential for higher rents in the future. You also can potentially get the property above a 1.0 ratio with a DSCR interest-only loan. |
How to Apply for a DSCR Loan |
You need to find a bank with a robust DSCR loan program. Fidelity Residential Lending offers DSCR loans and has a history of qualifying borrowers at various income levels for small and large investment property loans. Here's an overview of how to apply for a DSCR loan with Fidelity Residential: How to get a DSCR load:
Upon approval for our DSCR loan program, you'll receive an estimate of the interest rate, closing costs, and monthly mortgage payments. Prepare to pay for an appraisal and undergo the underwriting process prior to signing the closing documents. The underwriting process includes credit report review, appraisal, rental income verification, title search, and a final underwriting decision. |
Non-QM Loans for Borrowers with Low DSCR |
Fidelity Residential offers these loans for borrowers with a DSCR as low as .75. If you fall below that requirement, you still have tons of other loan options available to you, including the following Fidelity Residential non-QM mortgages:
Elevate your real estate investment game with DSCR loans and the Fidelity Residential Gold app. Gain complete financial control with a single dashboard that combines accounts, budgets, and more. Plan down payments, manage debt, gain a better understanding of mortgage statements, and explore specialized loan offerings like DSCR loans with Fidelity Residential's mortgage professionals. |
What Is a 6 Month SOFR DSCR Loan? |
As mentioned above, DSCR loans are a type of mortgage used by real estate investors to purchase property without having to show proof of income. The loans are made by looking at the potential income that a property could bring, instead of the income that an investor is making right now. 6 month SOFR DSCR loans are a variation on this financing option where the loan is packaged as an adjustable rate mortgage with an interest rate that changes based on the SOFR index. The Secured Overnight Financing Rate is an index that provides a weighted average of the interest rates that major financial institutions charge for overnight loans. A 6-month SOFR DSCR loan has an adjustable rate that changes based on the SOFR index. With a SOFR mortgage, a real estate investor starts with a fixed interest rate that stays the same for a period of time and then adjusts every six months based on the 30-day average of the SOFR index. A 6 month SOFR DSCR loan allows an investor to take advantage of market rates. As soon as the SOFR rate falls, an investor can see the interest rate on their mortgage fall. On the other hand, if the SOFR rate rises, borrowers will be subject to a higher interest rate. At Fidelity Residential, we offer 6 month SOFR ARMs , 3/6 SOFR ARMs—meaning you get a fixed rate for 3 years and then the interest rate adjusts every 6 months—5/6 SOFR ARMS, 7/6 SOFR ARMS, and 10/6 SOFR ARMS. As you can see, we have a wide variety of SOFR DSCR loans available to potential borrowers who are interested in this financing option. |
How to Get a DSCR Loan on a Short Term Rental |
If you are looking to build a portfolio of properties to list on VRBO or Airbnb, you'll want to finance them using a STR DSCR loan. To qualify for a DSCR loan on a short-term rental (STR) property, you'll need to prove through AirDNA comparables that your DSCR will be 1.00 or more. The following applies to purchasing new STR properties:
If you want to refinance your STR with a DSCR loan to lower your interest rate or get cashout of your property, you'll need to produce a stable history of short-term rental income in order to qualify for a STR DSCR cashout loan. Leveraging DSCR loans for Airbnb and other short-term rentals can have a property multiplier effect - turn 1 property into 8 properties within 8 years or 18 properties within 12 years. |
Where We Offer DSCR Loans |
Fidelity Residential offers DSCR loans in 47 states to help real estate investors find an investment property in their ideal location. Learn more about DSCR mortgages in your desired state of residence:
Our team can help you understand the requirements and specifications of DSCR loans in these regions. Reach out today to take the first step towards obtaining a DSCR loan. |
Apply for a Non-QM Investment Property Loan |
Begin or continue building your real estate investment portfolio without the need for a hard money private loan. Our DSCR loans are an excellent mortgage option for new and seasoned investors to help you build your portfolio without mortgage challenges standing in your way. Apply for a DSCR loan online today. Whether you are a first-time investor or an experienced investor investing in a long-term rental property or a short-term vacation rental, our DSCR loans have you covered. Want to learn more about our non-QM loans before applying? Review the pros and cons of DSCR loans, Contact us online or call us at 855-698-1098 to speak to one of our experienced loan specialists. |
Frequently Asked Questions |
Is a DSCR loan a hard money loan? DSCR loans differ from hard money loans in several ways. DSCR loans tend to have lower down payment requirements and interest rates and are available at some local lenders, including Fidelity Residential. Additionally, the loan terms are usually more favorable, which is a bonus if you need a longer loan term. Overall, DSCR loans tend to make a more attractive alternative to hard money loans for real estate investors. What credit score is needed to get a DSCR loan? DSCR loans do require decent credit scores. However, you can get a debt service coverage ratio loan with a score of 620 and above. Naturally, the higher your credit score, the better your interest rate and loan terms are likely to be. What type of property can I purchase with a DSCR loan? The DSCR loan makes it possible to buy income properties for either short-term or long-term rentals. You can even purchase a secondary residence if you can prove it will generate sufficient income. For example, you can maximize rental income on a permanent residence through seasonal rentals and short-term stays. Listing the property on Airbnb, renting out rooms to long-term tenants, or renting out portions of the property for events are all ways to generate income to meet your debt service requirement. Can I live in a home that I purchased with a DSCR loan? No, DSCR loans are typically designed for investors and income-producing properties, not for primary residences. These loans are specifically structured to evaluate the property’s ability to generate income that can cover the debt service, making them more suitable for investment properties. If you're looking to finance a primary residence, other mortgage options, such as traditional home loans, are better suited for that purpose. What is the minimum down payment on a DSCR loan? It is possible to get a DSCR loan with as low as a 20% down payment. However, if you want to minimize your total interest payments, consider making a higher down payment, resulting in a lower monthly payment. What is the minimum loan amount on a DSCR loan? The minimum loan amount for a DSCR loan starts at $100,000. Although our average DSCR loan amount is $350,616 we specialize in jumbo DSCR loans for real estate investors investing in high-end luxury investment properties. Do DSCR loans allow for a temporary rate buydown? Yes, you can use our temporary buydown calculator to determine your monthly payments on a 2-1 or a 1-0 buydown. Temporary buydowns are becoming increasingly popular among real estate investors acquiring investment properties. Where is the best place to get a DSCR loan? Not all financial institutions offer debt service coverage ratio loans. However, you can get a DSCR loan at numerous banks, private lenders, and credit unions. These lenders offer DSCR loans to buy investment homes and properties, construct new properties, or renovate properties you already own. Fidelity Residential is a top provider of DSCR loans with competitive terms and rates. We will take the time to get to know you during the discovery meeting, and our specialists will help you during every step of the application and approval process. Why does a DSCR change over time? The DSCR measures your ability to repay a mortgage loan at a given point in time. A higher ratio indicates more cash flow and a higher likelihood of repaying a new mortgage loan. However, if you take on new debt or the rental income on your existing properties increases or decreases, it can change your debt service coverage ratio for the better or worse. As your real estate portfolio grows, you will have higher or lower cash flow at various times. This makes it important to time your application for a DSCR loan wisely. Interest rates will also affect your ability to repay a new loan. Higher interest rates increase monthly expenses and lower DSCR. Alternatively, lower interest rates can increase the DSCR. Who is the DSCR loan perfect for? A DSCR loan is a good option for both novice and veteran real estate investors because it allows them to qualify based on rental income instead of personal income. If you're new to real estate investing, a DSCR loan can help you get the financing you need for your first property, and if you're a seasoned investor, it can help you get faster financing to help you grow your portfolio. You can use a DSCR loan if you don't have proof of income via traditional documentation such as W-2s, pay stubs, and tax returns. Additionally, investors who buy and hold rental properties often use DSCR loans to obtain funding for new investments. However, keep in mind that no financing option is perfect. Since DSCR loans come with higher down payment requirements and interest rates, they're not the ideal financing option for every investor. Can I get a DSCR loan as a first-time investor? Absolutely, DSCR loans are accessible to first-time investors. These loans provide an excellent opportunity for individuals looking to enter the world of real estate investing. They offer a flexible financing solution, especially for those who may not have an extensive investment portfolio. If you're a first-time investor interested in exploring the benefits of DSCR loans, reach out to Fidelity Residential. Our experienced professionals can provide guidance, answer your questions,and help you determine whether this type of financing aligns with your investment goals and property aspirations. At Fidelity Residential, we understand that every investor's journey is unique, and our experts are dedicated to assisting you in making informed financial decisions. If you're considering a DSCR loan as a first-time investor, don't hesitate to connect with our team to learn more and discover how this financing option can help you kickstart your real estate investment venture. How can I find out more about DSCR loan requirements at Fidelity Residential? You can make an appointment with one of our loan specialists today to discuss any questions you may have regarding our DSCR loan program or any of our other loan types, such as VA loans or bank statement loans. We'll do everything we can to smooth the way and help you gather the necessary information to apply for a debt service coverage ratio loan. You can either call us at 732-686-9999 or reach out to our team via our website for more information about DSCR loans and Non-QM loans in general. |