Investment Property Loans vs. Home Mortgages
Buying an investment property with a conventional loan is, in some ways, similar to financing your primary residence. The documentation is the same – credit check, paycheck stubs, tax returns, bank statements, W2s and 1099s, for example.
But there are some important differences, too. You will need a higher credit score, interest rates may be a touch higher, your down payment may be larger, and approval may take a little longer. The reason is risk: There is more risk for all parties in long-term investment property loans than for home mortgages associated with a primary residence.
Borrowers must be prepared to cover the loan payments whether the house is rented or not. Lenders have the added risk of a borrower being forced to choose between paying the mortgage on their rental property or their primary residence if they get in a financial bind. Most borrowers will choose to make their primary residence payment and keep the roof over their head.
These differences often surprise first-time rental property buyers. Thorough research helps people seeking investment property loans understand the demands of the investment property loan underwriting process.