The Risk of having two primary residence mortgages on two different properties?

The Risk of having two primary residence mortgages on two different properties?

Member since 2023 · 28 posts · 11 votes

Hey everybody! So, I'm trying to avoid a problem before it gets created or gets worse... I have a mortgage on a property in the Philadelphia suburbs. It is my first and only mortgage at this time. However, I am looking to buy out of state, in Ohio. I have worked a seasonal job in Ohio for the past three years but I had lived with my now ex girlfriend. So, my dilemma is I will still work seasonally in Ohio just slightly more than previously. closer to 7-8 months out of the year instead of 6. However I want to keep my property in PA to come back during the "offseason," and take care of an elderly relative, and to work on increasing revenue for my own business. Lastly, I very recently acquired a heloc on my residence in PA while property values were still high (decmber '22). They/we did the heloc as my primary residence....how do I avoid complications come tax time? What is the likelyhood of a complication happening? how long do I have after purchasing the Ohio property to switch it over to my primary residence? Perhaps most importantly, how do I go about financing this Ohio property? As a secondary property? An investment property? The two lenders I have talked to keep pushing me towards primary, but I feel they don't care what happens after close. They just want to make the deal. And if a secondary home loan is the best option, then does anyone know any lenders that have low property value minimums for a secondary home? Both Lenders minimums are above what I plan on spending at 85k. Thank you for your interest and any advice would be greatly appreciated!! Go Eagles!!

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  • Jason WrayPro Member
    Banker · Nationwide · Member since 2020 · 2k+ posts · 1k+ votes
    3y

    William,

    In the Bank/Lender world If you are not living in the home its not your primary its a second home until you claim it on your tax returns as a rental (Schedule E) then its an investment. The problem with brokers/lenders pushing you to claim it as a Primary is they are obviously not experienced enough to tell you up front. The underwriter is going to look at your address on your tax returns, W2's/1099's, Paystubs, Bank statements and drivers license. If those are not the PA address and you are again not living there its not your primary.

    Second Homes and Primary homes are very similar and you can get a better rate on a Second home versus it being a rental/investment. Calling it your primary can cause your loan to get denied in underwriting or "Red Flagged" and you do not want that to happen. My suggestion is refinance the home as a Second home pay off the 1st and the HELOC and take out enough cash to put down on the next home.

    On your last question there typically a $75K minimum when it comes to mortgages based on "high cost" rules.

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