Mortgage for duplex as a Secondary/vacation home in Alabama

Mortgage for duplex as a Secondary/vacation home in Alabama

Real Estate Broker · Marietta, GA · Member since 2011 · 28 posts · 13 votes
Hi everyone, I've recently got a bank owned two unit duplex under contract in Gulf Shores Alabama. Plan is to occupy one unit as a vacation/second home and rent out the other unit as a short term rental. All the lenders I have talked with are treating this as an investment property instead of a Second home and are requiring us put 25% down. We are hoping to find a conventional lender willing to lend at 15% down that may need to portfolio the loan if Fannie Mae won't allow for duplex second/vacation home properties. We're not looking for any hard money lending or rates that exceed 5%. Any one have any suggestions or good contacts in Alabama?
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Chris MasonPro Member
Moderator
Lender · CA · Member since 2015 · 9k+ posts · 10k+ votes
9y
Originally posted by @Adam A.:

Hi everyone,
I've recently got a bank owned two unit duplex under contract in Gulf Shores Alabama. Plan is to occupy one unit as a vacation/second home and rent out the other unit as a short term rental.

All the lenders I have talked with are treating this as an investment property instead of a Second home and are requiring us put 25% down.

We are hoping to find a conventional lender willing to lend at 15% down that may need to portfolio the loan if Fannie Mae won't allow for duplex second/vacation home properties.

We're not looking for any hard money lending or rates that exceed 5%.

Any one have any suggestions or good contacts in Alabama?

Fannie/Freddie/FHA/etc does not acknowledge the existence of multi unit second homes. :\

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  • Harjeet BhattiPro Member
    Lender · Glenview IL- CDLP NMLS#230554 · Member since 2015 · 2k+ posts · 747 votes
    9y

    If the occupancy type is 2nd  or vacation home the max 1 unit  is allowed. 

  • Chris MasonPro Member
    Moderator
    Lender · CA · Member since 2015 · 9k+ posts · 10k+ votes
    9y
    Originally posted by @Adam A.:

    Hi everyone,
    I've recently got a bank owned two unit duplex under contract in Gulf Shores Alabama. Plan is to occupy one unit as a vacation/second home and rent out the other unit as a short term rental.

    All the lenders I have talked with are treating this as an investment property instead of a Second home and are requiring us put 25% down.

    We are hoping to find a conventional lender willing to lend at 15% down that may need to portfolio the loan if Fannie Mae won't allow for duplex second/vacation home properties.

    We're not looking for any hard money lending or rates that exceed 5%.

    Any one have any suggestions or good contacts in Alabama?

    Fannie/Freddie/FHA/etc does not acknowledge the existence of multi unit second homes. :\

  • Rental Property Investor · Washington, DC · Member since 2013 · 16 posts · 1 vote
    8y

    Hi @Adam A., I'm interested to hear whether you were able to secure financing via a conventional lender w/ 15% down? I'm looking at buying my first property in the Gulf Shores area and am running into the same issue for a one unit. Thanks!

  • Chris MasonPro Member
    Moderator
    Lender · CA · Member since 2015 · 9k+ posts · 10k+ votes
    8y
    Originally posted by @Victor Warnsley:

    Hi @Adam A., I'm interested to hear whether you were able to secure financing via a conventional lender w/ 15% down? I'm looking at buying my first property in the Gulf Shores area and am running into the same issue for a one unit. Thanks!

     Hi Victor,

    15% down is the niche for owner occupied duplexes, and single family investment properties. If it's an SFR "second home" (aka vacation home), and it isn't necessary to derive rental income from it to make the mortgage math work, then 10% will do.

  • Rental Property Investor · Washington, DC · Member since 2013 · 16 posts · 1 vote
    8y

    @Chris Mason you rock man! Thanks for this! This gives me the confidence to move forward. 

  • New Orleans, LA · Member since 2017 · 27 posts · 0 votes
    7y

    @Chris Mason What lenders will allow duplex as second home? I'm interested in this same set up and having a hard time getting a bank on board due to Freddie/Fannie regulations. 

  • Chris MasonPro Member
    Moderator
    Lender · CA · Member since 2015 · 9k+ posts · 10k+ votes
    7y
    Originally posted by @Jodin Concepcion:

    @Chris Mason What lenders will allow duplex as second home?  

     None. 

    Well, a hard money lender might... they can do whatever they wish to do.

  • New Orleans, LA · Member since 2017 · 27 posts · 0 votes
    7y

    @Chris Mason Thanks Chris. That will save me a ton of time! I bought my first investment property two years ago and would like to buy another. Plan B....Heloc on first investment? I don't want to lock myself in with a refi. Pulling from primary is tricky because I own a coop in NYC. Much more complicated. Everything is more complicated actually in NYC. 

  • New Orleans, LA · Member since 2017 · 27 posts · 0 votes
    7y

    Definitely staying away from hard lenders. I'll be eaten alive. Have no experience whatsoever and not desperate enough...yet.

  • New Orleans, LA · Member since 2017 · 27 posts · 0 votes
    7y

    Also looking into Personal LOC. Plan to have paid off within a year after selling.

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