Buying a primary residence but not living in it

Buying a primary residence but not living in it

Specialist · Seattle, WA · Member since 2017 · 12 posts · 10 votes

There is probably a lot of gray area around this question but I am curious if I could purchase a single family or duplex as my primary residence and still live in my current property without the bank knowing? 

It probably depends on the bank but how do they regulate this? I am sure its just where you have your mail sent but there is probably more to this scenario that I am missing. The ultimate goal here would to be able to put 3.5-5% down rather than the 15-25% on an investment property and rehab the house without the hassle of moving, etc.  The only thing that I can think of that would be a problem would be reporting the income on my "primary property" as income, at that point things might get tricky since I technically should be living there...

Let me know your thoughts.

Thanks,

- Blake

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  • Investor · Montgomery County, PA · Member since 2020 · 255 posts · 238 votes
    5y

    I would not take that risk. While you may think you'd get away with it simply using it as your mailing address for now, come tax season you may be in some trouble when you need to report income on a pseudo-primary residence. Banks make those loans for people to buy their first home to live in. I doubt that seeking to abuse that program for profit will not be taken lightly by them when they inevitably find out.

  • Lien VuongBusiness Member
    Real Estate Agent · Boston, MA · Member since 2018 · 2k+ posts · 1k+ votes
    5y

    Just some friendly advice - I would be cautious to post these incriminating thoughts on a public forum with your name attached for your intent with your home purchase.  

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