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How to Get a Mortgage as a Real Estate Investor

Read Time: 3 Minutes Date Published: November 07, 2024

Maybe you’ve considered buying a piece of property and then renting it out – doing so can be a source of cash flow and an investment which could appreciate in value. However, getting a loan for a rental property can differ from getting a mortgage for an owner-occupied home.

An investor loan is designed to meet the specific needs of an investment property (or properties). These loans can enable borrowers to get higher loan limits than traditional mortgages. These loans are also not limited to a single property, but can be extended to multiple investment properties at once.

Couple with child viewing a kitchen in new home

Investing in Real Estate

Real estate is a popular investment type for several reasons, including the ability to generate a passive income, possible tax benefits, and potential asset appreciation.1 In fact, of the over 19 million rental properties in the U.S., more than two-thirds are owned by individuals, rather than companies, partnerships or trusts.1

If you’re curious about acquiring a rental property, you may be able to secure a loan tailored to your needs via a non-qualified mortgage.

What is a Non-Qualified Mortgage (non-QM)?

A non-qualified mortgage exists outside of the requirements set by the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau. Because a non-QM falls outside of these stricter standards, they can flex to fit the needs of less traditional borrowers. Non-QMs can include:

  • Higher loan limits
  • Less stringent qualifying criteria
  • Alternative income documentation

The Newrez Solution: Presenting SmartVest

Newrez offers a series of non-QM loans, called our Smart Series. SmartVest is our product designed especially for real estate investors. Qualified individuals can use SmartVest to:

  • Buy another property and expand their investment portfolio
  • Unlock equity in their current investment property to access cash
  • Use market rent (cash flow) from the subject property to qualify for a loan

Here’s an illustrative example:

A borrower wants to buy another property to grow their investment portfolio. The property in question is reviewed and verified to generate enough rental income to cover the mortgage payment. Additionally, because the borrower has saved money to put down and has a 670 credit score, they meet the qualifying criteria for a SmartVest loan. With this loan, the borrower bought a new rental property and can pay the mortgage debt through the rental income it generates.

Top Reasons to Choose SmartVest:

With SmartVest, you can benefit from:

  • Less required documentation
  • Easier qualifying criteria

At Newrez, we want to help you reach your financial and home ownership goals. If you’re interested in learning more about a SmartVest loan, reach out to one of our mortgage experts today.

References:

1 Investment And Rental Property Statistics 2024 | Bankrate

Learn more in our other educational series.

We’ve assembled a treasure trove of jargon-free information to demystify home-financing and arm you with valuable insights and actionable options.

Why Newrez?

Newrez believes the lending business shouldn't just be about home loans - it should be about homeowners. That's why our employees get to know our customer's real needs, through final closing, and beyond.

Industry leading loan options
Simple pre-qualifications and application processes
Loans for everyone, from seasoned investors to first-time buyers
Putting power back into underserved communities

Disclosures

By refinancing an existing loan, the total finance charges may be higher over the life of the loan.

††The rate on your existing mortgage will not change. The Newrez Home Equity Loan program requires borrower to obtain a second mortgage at current market rates. Loan amount based on underwriting guidelines. Minimum 660 credit score. Minimum and maximum loan amounts apply. Program financing only available on properties with one existing mortgage lien and subject to maximum loan-to-value ratio. Not available in all states or territories. Other terms and restrictions apply. Please contact us for more information.

^ This HELOC is an open-end line of credit, available on owner occupied properties, where 75% of the approved full credit limit (minus the origination fees) will be drawn at the time of closing. Additional draws may be available after a 90-day period within the first 3 years not to exceed the available credit limit. Actual rates available to you may vary based on several factors including your credit score and combined loan-to-value. Loan amounts range from $50,000 to $350,000. We may determine home value and resulting equity through independent data sources and automated valuation models. An appraisal may also be required. Only available for eligible borrowers and property types. Not all applicants will be approved, pre-approval is based on data you have provided and certain assumptions that must be verified and subject to underwriting approval. Not available in all states or territories. Contact Newrez for more information.

This is not a commitment to lend. All loan programs are subject to credit, underwriting, and property approval. Programs, rates, terms and conditions are subject to change without notice. Other restrictions apply.