Heloc denied due to room rental

Heloc denied due to room rental

Member since 2023 · 2 posts · 1 vote

Hi all! I recently applied for a Heloc but was denied due to renting a room in a 2 room primary residence. Is this common? I was told it was due to the property being "multi-purpose" and not in line with Fannie Mae guidelines. Any tips on how to apply for a Heloc while renting a room? 

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Lender · Philadelphia · Member since 2018 · 11 posts · 6 votes
2y

Given that most lenders abide by Fannie Mae guidelines for HELOCS (which is for your primary home), they generally do not allow use of any rental income on your primary residence to count towards your DTI. Depending on where you are located, I would try to find a smaller lender, perhaps a portfolio lender/community bank that has their own underwriting guidelines. Second, while a HELOC offers flexiblity in terms of paying interest only when you use the line, the interest rate is going to be a lot higher compared to a regular cash-out refinance. If you know what, and when you need to use these funds for, I would consider a refi instead.

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  • Handyman · Monroe, WA · Member since 2021 · 26 posts · 25 votes
    2y

    Find another lender and keep asking for a HELOC until you get the answer you want. Keep shopping.

  • Member since 2023 · 2 posts · 1 vote
    2y

    Thank you!

  • Investor · Member since 2023 · 38 posts · 7 votes
    2y

    Victoria,

    If you are looking for some capital HLOC is not always the best option. It's very depending on what you are looking to get. Let me know if you need any help with connecting to lenders and brokers. 

  • Lender · Philadelphia · Member since 2018 · 11 posts · 6 votes
    2y

    Given that most lenders abide by Fannie Mae guidelines for HELOCS (which is for your primary home), they generally do not allow use of any rental income on your primary residence to count towards your DTI. Depending on where you are located, I would try to find a smaller lender, perhaps a portfolio lender/community bank that has their own underwriting guidelines. Second, while a HELOC offers flexiblity in terms of paying interest only when you use the line, the interest rate is going to be a lot higher compared to a regular cash-out refinance. If you know what, and when you need to use these funds for, I would consider a refi instead.

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