How To Refinance a PadSplit Co-Living Property

There are a few essential steps to ensure a seamless and successful PadSplit refinance process.

January 02, 2024

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Refinancing a PadSplit co-living property is a nuanced endeavor that demands meticulous planning and strategic execution. In this comprehensive guide, we will walk you through the essential steps to ensure a seamless and successful PadSplit refinance. From preparing for the appraisal to exploring diverse financing options, we’ve got you covered.

Preparing for the Appraisal

1. Member Notification

Engage in open communication with your PadSplit co-living Members. Notify them about the upcoming appraisal and stress the importance of minimal interaction with the appraiser.

2. Cleanliness is Key

Ensure the co-living property is impeccably clean. A tidy space not only leaves a positive impression but also contributes to a seamless appraisal process.

3. Provide a Digital Information Packet

Provide the appraiser with a comprehensive digital packet, including suggested comps, updates in the last 15 years, and purchase details. This additional information aids the appraiser in understanding the co-living property beyond standard records.

Streamlining the Appraisal Experience

1. Efficient Appraisal

Minimize disruptions during the appraisal by making the experience as seamless as possible. Schedule the appraisal when Members are not in the midst of daily activities on the co-living property.

2. Clutter Reduction

Clear away any clutter that may cause concern for the appraiser. While perfection isn’t necessary, a well-lit and organized co-living space leaves a positive impression.

3. Provide the Appraiser with Access to Each Room

Facilitate the appraiser’s access to each room without any hindrance, ensuring that none of the co-living rooms are locked. By allowing unrestricted entry to every space within your PadSplit, appraisers can thoroughly assess the property’s overall condition, functionality, and amenities.

Dealing with Functional Obsolescence

1. Understanding Adjustments

Be prepared for adjustments if the appraisal indicates “Functional Obsolescence.” This involves making changes to ensure the co-living property aligns with comparable homes in the area.

2. Cost to Cure

Appraisers may provide a cost to cure, specifying the amount required to bring the co-living property in line with comparable homes. Lender-approval is crucial in deciding whether the appraisal is accepted with the cost to cure or if actual changes are necessary. 

Financing Options for PadSplit Refinancing

1. DSCR Loans

Debt-Service Coverage Ratio (DSCR) loans are tailored for residential income-generating properties, emphasizing the property’s cash flow through the “Debt Service Coverage Ratio” rather than relying on the borrower’s income. In contrast to traditional mortgage loans, which necessitate income verification, tax returns, and a “Debt-to-Income” (DTI) ratio, DSCR Loans eliminate these requirements.

Our current lending partners offer a variety of DSCR loan products. For PadSplits with less than 12 months of seasoning, lenders utilize “Market Rate Rents” in their DSCR calculations. In select instances, PadSplits that have 12 months of seasoning and operating history, there is a DSCR loan product that utilizes PadSplit Income for the DSCR calculations.

2. Unique Financing Products

Explore unique financing products such as a bank statement product through Coast2Coast Mortgage that considers various sources of income, making it ideal for self-employed individuals.

3. Adapting to Appraiser Perspectives

Build a panel of appraisers comfortable with PadSplit setups to mitigate potential issues arising from varied perspectives within the appraisal process.

Overcoming Challenges and Exploring Alternatives

1. Market-Specific Challenges

Recognize that appraisals can be market-specific, and appraisers must adhere to multiple governing bodies and rules.

2. Education and Bias

Address potential inaccurate appraisals through education, acknowledging that biases and lack of understanding can contribute to discrepancies.

3. Flexible Financing Solutions

In cases where traditional DSCR ratios may not work, consider alternative financing solutions, such as using projected income or a 12-month lookback.

Selecting the Right Financing Product

1. Favorite Financing Products

Explore various financing options based on your unique PadSplit scenario, such as bank statement products, no DSCR products, or vacant property refinance programs.

2. Adaptable Financing

Choose products that align with your co-living property’s characteristics, allowing for flexibility in financing, especially when traditional DSCR ratios may not apply.

By following these steps and considering alternative financing options, you’ll be well on your way to mastering the PadSplit refinancing process and ensuring a successful outcome for your co-living property.

Navigating Cash-Out Refis 

Exploring New Programs

A new noteworthy loan product has emerged, allowing a 75% cash-out refinance with a 20% down payment for existing PadSplits. However, investors must meet the prerequisite of a 12-month seasoning period to utilize PadSplit Income for the DSCR ratio. This program introduces a dynamic element to the refinancing landscape, offering investors a unique opportunity to leverage their assets.

Strategic Approach to Refinancing

In addressing challenges faced during the refinancing of acquired properties, it’s important to have a strategic approach from the outset. Recommendations include close collaboration with lenders and establishing a game plan before entering a deal. This proactive strategy aims to mitigate surprises and financial hurdles down the road.

Working with Lenders from the Start

A unanimous recommendation from speakers emphasizes involving lenders from the very beginning. Even if private money lenders are involved, an initial consultation with a lending professional provides valuable insights. Aligning the acquisition strategy with the eventual refinancing helps investors avoid surprises and financial pitfalls.

Avoiding Pitfalls in Refinancing

It’s common for there to be horror stories when property owners face difficulties during the refinance phase. Emphasis is placed on understanding the numbers and using tools like BRRRR calculators to make informed decisions. By doing so, investors can avoid scenarios where the co-living property’s value doesn’t align with the desired refinance outcome.

New Financing Opportunities

A novel financing product takes center stage towards the end of the discussion – an A-D-S-C-R fixed-rate second mortgage for investment properties, offering up to 70% combined financing. Speakers highlight the potential benefits of this product for investors seeking to tap into equity while navigating specific lending challenges.

Creative Financing Solutions

Some experts believe it’s possible for property owners to create their own Home Equity Lines of Credit (HELOCs) and Home Equity loans by leveraging personal networks. This creative approach involves crafting contracts with private lenders, collateralizing co-living properties, and offering a share of cash flow and equity in return.

Successfully refinancing a PadSplit co-living property involves a combination of effective communication, strategic planning, and exploring diverse financing options. By understanding the nuances of the process and adapting to market-specific challenges, you can navigate the refinancing landscape with confidence and achieve favorable outcomes for your PadSplit co-living property.

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