Some analysts foresee that the spring housing market of 2022 will be one of the most competitive ever. Find out what economists have to say.

MBA Weekly Applications Survey February 9, 2022: Rising Rates Put Damper on Refis

The Mortgage Bankers Association announced Wednesday in its Weekly Mortgage Applications Survey for the week ending February 4th that mortgage interest rates continued to climb last week, snagging momentum for homeowners anxious to refinance before rates surge even higher. 

The Market Composite Index fell by 8.1 percent from the previous week on a seasonally adjusted basis. The unadjusted Refinance Index also fell 7% from the last week, and the refinance share of all mortgage applications decreased to 56.2 percent. The seasonally adjusted Purchase Index dropped 10% from the previous week.  Read More

Are You Considering Using Short-Term Rental Income To Qualify For a Refinance Say VRBO or AirBnB anytime soon?

In today’s digital age, platforms like Airbnb and VRBO have revolutionized the real estate sector, offering homeowners a lucrative avenue: short-term rentals. The ability to earn from temporary tenants is changing how we view property income and shifting paradigms in the mortgage refinance world.

Decoding Short-Term Rental Income:

What Constitutes Short-Term Rental Income?

  • It refers to the revenue gleaned from renting out properties for brief periods – a day, week, or month. This could stem from a standalone unit on your property or your primary residence during your travel sabbaticals.

Popular Platforms Driving This Trend:

  • Names like VRBO, Airbnb, and HomeAway are at the top of this revolution, providing homeowners with streamlined platforms to monetize their spaces.

The Evolution of Mortgage Lending Perspective:

A Former Stumbling Block:

  • Historically, mortgage lenders only universally embraced short-term rental income as a legitimate form of income for refinancing, primarily due to the absence of conventional lease agreements.

Tides of Change:

  • Recognizing the ubiquity of short-term rentals, many lenders have evolved their criteria. Notably, Airbnb and VRBO took proactive measures in 2019, allying with major mortgage financiers, enabling hosts to leverage their rental income when seeking mortgage refinancing.

The Current Landscape and The Importance of Expertise:

A Spectrum of Acceptance:

  • While the industry has seen significant shifts, not all lenders are on board. The acceptance of short-term rental income varies, especially when considering traditional mortgage products like 30-year or 15-year fixed-rate refinances.

Strategizing with Expertise:

  • If you’re among the cohort of homeowners who use short-term rentals to subsidize your mortgage and are pondering a refinance, it’s pivotal to consult a seasoned mortgage specialist. Their insights can optimize your application process, ensuring alignment with lenders attuned to the modern dynamics of short-term rental income.

The fusion of technology, evolving consumer behaviors, and progressive lending practices has catalyzed a seismic shift in how we perceive property income and mortgage refinancing. By staying informed and leveraging expertise, homeowners can seamlessly navigate this intersection, realizing their financial goals.