Financing issues in my Colorado second home market

By
Real Estate Agent with Coldwell Banker Colorado Rockies Real Estate

Copper Mountain townhomeTraditionally, in second home markets, it has been much easier to get financing than in primary home markets.  About a third of our transactions were cash, which of course, is the easiest of all!  Today, financing has become an issue when condos and townhomes are being purchased.  Many people buying second homes prefer a condo as they don't have to worry about maintenance.  The roof and exterior are taken care of by the homes association. 

It has always been the case that the property had to qualify together with the Buyer, but the lenders now must approve all the details of the HOA.  They look at Decs and Bylaws, number of rentals (do ski condos with 3-7 day rentals count?) whether there is a front desk or not, and how much money the HOA has in reserves.  I recently wrote a long post about the changes we are undergoing, and can't copy here for fear of "duplicate content"!  If you would like to read more about our Summit County, Colorado real estate issues and how they compare to yours, just click the link above.

Loans are now an issue for our markets too!  Is your market affected the same way?  Perhaps you don't have the percentage of condos that we have, but most vacation home markets do.

 

Comments (6)

Mike Jones
SUNSTREET MORTGAGE, LLC (BK-0907366, NMLS 145171) - Tucson, AZ
Mike Jones NMLS 223495

Joanne,

It used to be that only condominium units got the once over with respect to the number of rentals, but the investor boom/bust changed all that forever.  (Or at least until everyone forgets 2008 and does it all over again!)

Mike in Tucson

Nov 25, 2008 02:47 PM
Joanne Hanson
Coldwell Banker Colorado Rockies Real Estate - Frisco, CO
Summit County, Colorado Realtor

The pendulum will swing back eventually.  It seems like we always have to go too far one way or the other and overreaction becomes the norm.  That certainly is where we are now! 

Nov 25, 2008 03:00 PM
Dena Stevens Coriz
Rocky Mountain Realty - Canon City, CO
Putting The Real Into Realtor Since 2004

Wow, you bring up some issues I've never had to think about. We are 90% HOA free here in Pueblo. And I like the new picture! Happy Skiing!

Nov 27, 2008 11:14 AM
Joanne Hanson
Coldwell Banker Colorado Rockies Real Estate - Frisco, CO
Summit County, Colorado Realtor

Hi Dena, I bet you have a lot of FHA and VA loans too.  Can't use those on second homes.  I have done one VA loan in my 15 years of real estate.  It was for a police officer that had to live 35 miles from work in order to find a home he could afford.   We can do FHA if it is for a primary residence, but it is more difficult to do for condos.  If the condo complex is not FHA approved (few are) we can do spot FHA if they can find out how many other FHA loans are in the complex. 

Nov 27, 2008 11:35 AM
Sabrina Kelley
ERA Herman Group Real Estate - Woodland Park, CO
Woodland Park Colorado Mountain Homes and Land

I don't have too many condos in my market but knowing how lenders are scrutinizing units these days will help me with the potential needs of future clients.

Nov 28, 2008 05:09 AM
Anonymous
David Leeman

Excellent post! Well Whatever the need is for the second home different purposes will bring a new consideration especially with regards to tax status will arise.  

 

 

Usually a second mortgage can be draining on the personal finances of an individual. However, to obtain a second mortgage will be relatively easy than the first time since your credibility will have increased from the first mortgage. Another huge advantage to encourage the strength of purchasing a second home is the aspect that personal finances are strengthened and improved by the purchase of another asset.  

 

Sep 03, 2010 11:37 PM
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