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Topic: Special considerations for Investor loans

By
Real Estate Agent with Your Castle Real Estate



The talk around the water cooler these days is all about LOANS. Who can get them? At what price? What if I already have a few loans, do I still qualify?  A year or two ago the question was at what price do I get a loan (those were the days!).  Today it is "am I still in the game?"       

Here's the deal:  if you have an owner occupied loan and 3 investor loans you cannot buy any more properties and get Fannie Mae / Freddie Mac financing, meaning you can't get a conventional 30-year fixed loan. Now, my hope is that someone reads this and tells me I'm wrong. That would be great!  But as far as I know that is the case.      

Where does this leave you?  You can pursue loans that are warehoused by lenders, meaning they are not sold on the backend to Fannie or Freddie. You are probably looking at a minimum of 20% down but more importantly it will be almost impossible to get a 30-year loan.  But a 5/1 ARM is not out of the question. (Lenders, please start a dialogue here and let folks know who has what products available.)  There is also Hard Money available.  I met with a group of high-end Hard Money lenders today to discuss options and the consensus is that they are proceeding...but with extreme caution.      

A final version is to contact smaller local lenders.  You'll need 25% down, but if your story makes sense, you'll get your loan - and usually at an attractive rate.  Let me know what your situation is and I'll try to refer you to the right person. 

Show All Comments Sort:
Bob Blanke
Your Castle Real Estate - Denver, CO

I saw an article in the paper about how many of owner occupants are having a really hard time competing with investors.  It seems that even though prices are still declining, the listing brokers for banks are creating bidding situations.

Nov 05, 2008 01:42 PM
Ben Dorland
Porchlight Real Estate Group - Denver, CO

The days of cheap and easy money are gone.  You need to either have at least 20%, a rich family member, or connections with a lender that can do "specialized" loans.

Nov 11, 2008 11:22 PM
Darren Fogg
Cherry Creek Properties - Denver, CO

I completely agree with your assessment.  It seems that your client need to have these facts together before they even started in looking for more properties.

Nov 11, 2008 11:32 PM
Jonathan Ghaly
Cherry Creek Properties - Lakewood, CO

Remember when you use to have to actually know your local banker???  Well your clients should start doing that again.  The banks with the strongest returns right now are all local banks.  They do have options for lending as well.

Nov 11, 2008 11:38 PM
Aisulu Gates
Your Castle Real Estate - Castle Pines North, CO

The lending environment is certainly not helping the many investors that are out there.  I spoke with two "local" bankers the last few weeks and they do have some great programs for investors.  Portfolio loans...look into them!

Nov 11, 2008 11:45 PM
Chris George
Your Castle Real Estate - Denver, CO

Banks that did not get caught up in subprime loans are actually doing very well.  As real estate agents we need to get to know bankers that will help our clients with obtaining loans.

Nov 11, 2008 11:50 PM
Brandon Gill
Your Castle Real Estate - Aurora, CO

The lending restrictions will definitely not help home sales of properties priced above 500k?  my listings that are over 500000 are not moving.  All of my properties under 200k are getting lots of showings and are still moving. 

Nov 11, 2008 11:56 PM
Jim Goffred
Your Castle Real Estate - Parker, CO

Qualified buyers are loving it right now.  If your buyers are FHA or have 20% to put down this is a great time to buy.  First time homebuyers can go into any of these areas and get a great deal.  My main problem is trying to find a "fixer" for a buyer that is not buying with all cash.

Nov 12, 2008 12:01 AM
Diane Grove
Your Castle Real Estate - Highlands Ranch, CO

The lending environment is definitely tight right now.  However, properties are still definitely moving.  The areas in red seem to have a pretty high Days on Market.  I suspect that is from a house that is overleveraged priced way to high and going through pre foreclosure.  REO homes are moving really fast.

Nov 12, 2008 12:09 AM