Investors guide to apply for DSCR loan in Texas | 2024

DSCR loans provide an alternative way of obtaining finance to invest in properties, especially if you’re looking to invest in the Texan market. If you are a high-income investor or a financial advisor, understanding DSCR loans is essential. It helps you maximize your returns in the real estate market. 
This guide covers the basics of DSCR loans for investors looking forward to applying for them in Texas. Let’s learn what they are and how you can apply for it. 

What is a DSCR Loan?

A Debt Service Coverage Ratio (DSCR) loan helps real estate investors qualify based on the property's cash flow rather than the borrower's income. 
This form of loan is especially helpful for high-income individuals who may have significant assets. It is ideal for those who need more traditional income sources that meet the requirements of conventional loans.
Lenders use the DSCR to assess a property's capacity to meet its debt commitments. It is calculated by dividing the property's net operating income (NOI) by its total debt service (principal and interest payments). 
A DSCR of more than 1 implies that the property generates enough revenue to meet its debt commitments. Whereas a DSCR of less than 1 shows that the property is not producing enough income to meet these debt obligations.

Why Choose a DSCR Loan in Texas?

Texas is one of the best places for real estate investment because of its influential economy, diverse population, and solid job market. Cities such as Austin, Dallas, Houston, and San Antonio provide excellent investment opportunities. These cities have rising demand for rental units and property appreciation.

Here are some interesting stats: 

1. Home prices in Texas were up 0.5% year-over-year in July. At the same time, the number of homes sold rose 1.0% and the number of homes for sale rose 21.3%. (Source: Redfin)
2. From 2000 to 2022, the state gained over 9 million new residents. (Source: Forbes)
3. Over 25% of all out-of-state moves into Texas are from California, followed by 6.7% from Florida, 4.9% from New York, 4.4% from Washington and 4.1% from Illinois. (Source: Dallas Agent)

How to Apply for a DSCR Loan in Texas

To apply for a DSCR loan in Texas, you have to follow the following steps: 

Step 1: Prepare Your Financial Documents

Collect your financial document, which includes: 

• Tax returns 
• Property income statements 
• Bank statements 
• Documents that showcase the property’s cash flow 

Step 2: Check Your Credit Score

Make sure that your credit score matches the minimum requirements of your DSCR loan lender. If your score is below 620, take steps to improve it before applying for the loan. 

Step 3: Determine Your DSCR 

Calculate the DSCR using the formula above for the property you wish to finance. It will also help you understand the maximum loan limit for your property. 

Step 4: Choose Your Lender 

Choosing the right lender to fulfill your loan requirements is crucial. Research various lenders for DSCR loans in Texas. Evaluate interest rates, lending conditions, down payment, and customer service. Look for lenders that provide loans without down payment if that is what you require. But before you do, check out if DSCR loan without a down payment is possible or not.

Step 5: Submit Your Application

Fill out the application form for your chosen lender. Make sure to attach all the required documents. 

Step 6: Underwriting and Approval

The lender will study your application and conduct underwriting to evaluate the cash flow and overall loan risk of the property. If your application is accepted, you will receive a loan commitment with terms and conditions.

Step 7: Close the Loan 

Once your application is approved, you will proceed to the loan closing. The lender will ask you to sign the required loan documents and provide the down payment. 

Tips for Investors: Maximizing DSCR Loans in Texas

With the help of these tips, you can maximize your DSCR loan in Texas: 

• Keep up with Texas real estate trends to recognize risk factors and high-growth locations.
• To increase your chances of loan approval and mitigate market fluctuations, keep your DSCR above the minimum.
• Pay attention to property value and long-term growth in rental revenue.
• Get the advice of a financial professional for a thorough investing plan.
• Hire professional management services to increase your rental income and maintain a healthy DSCR. 

Benefits of Choosing a DSCR Loan in Texas

Here’s why taking a DSCR loan in Texas is beneficial: 

• No State Income Tax: Texas is one of the few states in the United States that does not levy a state income tax. It can be helpful for people with high incomes, whose purpose is to get maximum profit.
• Strong Economic Growth: Texas has a thriving economy fueled by businesses such as technology, oil, healthcare, and finance. This economic diversification contributes to stable property values and rental demand, making it an appealing market for real estate investments.
• Favorable Regulatory Environment: Texas has a reasonably investor-friendly regulatory environment, including landlord-tenant regulations that benefit property owners. This decreases the risk of lengthy eviction processes and helps sustain cash flow.
• High Population Growth: Texas' population has expanded significantly in the last few years, driven by both local and international migration to the region. With this rate of growth, the rental market for investment properties has massively increased, resulting in a strong rental market.

DSCR Loan Requirements in Texas

You need to meet specific criteria to qualify for the DSCR loan in Texas. The requirements may vary from lender to lender. Some of the general DSCR loan Texas requirements include: 

• Credit Score: You need to show a credit score above 620. However, the higher your credit score, the more favorable their terms will be. 
• Minimum DSCR: Most lenders require a minimum DSCR of 1 to 1.2. Your property needs to generate more income than the required debt service to qualify. 
• Property Type: DSCR loans are available for diverse investment property types. You can get it for single or multi-family homes and commercial units. 
• Down Payment: Most lenders require a down payment of 20 to 25% of your property’s purchase value. But you can negotiate the down payment if you meet the criteria perfectly.

It is also crucial to understand the rules and regulations set by the state. Texas does not have any stricter requirements than the ones set by the lender. However, it is essential to consult with a professional for legal advice before applying for a loan.

How DSCR is Calculated

This is how you can calculate DSCR:

DSCR = Net Operating Income (NOI)​ / Total Debt Service

For example, a property generates a net operating income of $100,000 annually. The total debt service by the lender is $80,000. So, the DSCR will be: 

100,000/80,000 = 1.25

A DSCR of 1.25 shows that the property generates 25% more income than needed to pay debt service, making it more likely to qualify for a loan.

Pros and Cons of DSCR Loans in Texas

The DSCR loan comes with its own set of pros and cons:

Pros

• No Personal Income Verification: The main focus of lenders when providing DSCR loans in Texas is on the property’s cash flow instead of the borrower’s traditional income. It is one of the most beneficial features of this loan for investors with non-traditional income. 
• Flexibility: DSCR loans are suitable for different types of properties and offer more options in financing structures. It includes refinancing one or more properties or buying properties with both commercial and residential purposes.
• Higher Loan Limits: With DSCR, you can get higher loan limits up to $2-3 million. This is because the property’s cash flow determines the loan limit. 
• Higher Returns Potential: Texas has a really strong real estate market, which increases the chances of higher returns. The DSCR loans help investors leverage their money to maximize their profits. 

Cons 

• Larger Down Payments: Since the DSCR loan depends on the property’s cash flow only, lenders ask for a bigger down payment to mitigate the risk. 
• Higher Interest Rate: Compared to conventional loans, DSCR loans can be risky for lenders. Therefore, they ask for higher interest to cover the risk. 
• Market Risk: Market conditions, like any other real estate investment, can fluctuate. A downturn in the Texas real estate market may have an impact on rental revenue and property prices. It lowers the DSCR, leading to loan default.

Final Words

DSCR loans provide a strong financing choice for real estate investors wishing to increase the value of their assets in the Texas market. Investors can optimize their profits by being aware of the laws of Texas and the details of these loans.

If you need more information about DSCR loans in Texas, then feel free to contact us today! 

FAQs

How to qualify for a DSCR loan?

To get a DSCR loan, you should meet certain minimum standards. Usually, this is a DSCR of 1.2, a branch credit score of more than 620, and a down payment of about 20-25% of the price. Lenders may also ask for a cash flow statement that shows the property's financial performance. 

How to apply for a DSCR loan?

Applying for a DSCR loan requires submitting financial records, determining your credit score, selecting a lender, completing your application, and going through the underwriting and approval procedure. When everything is authorized, you will proceed to the closing step.

What is the down payment on a DSCR loan?

A DSCR loan typically requires a down payment of 20% to 25% of the property's purchase price. However, if all other conditions are met, some loan providers may accept lower down payments.