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Mortgage Lending

Portfolio Loans

Portfolio Loans | SouthStar Bank What is a portfolio loan? A SouthStar Bank portfolio loan is originated and funded right here at our institution, and never moves into the secondary mortgage market. It’s called a “portfolio loan” because it’s always going to stay in our portfolio. That means we can rely on our relationship with the customer to determine loan eligibility even if they don’t meet the typical mortgage profile. For example, meet Annie. Annie is a freelance marketing consultant with variable income.  Her credit score has taken a few hits but we’ve known Annie for years. She’s been a customer in good standing and a part of our community for a long time. Her business is picking up, and she’s starting to get back on her feet. Purchasing a home could improve her stability, her credit, and her children’s lives. She may even want to purchase a four-plex, so she can start earning some rental income on the other three units.  Annie comes to SouthStar Bank and meets with one of our loan officers to discuss the Star Advantage Loan. We look at her plans, her property, and total financial picture and make a decision about whether she’ll be a good risk. If we agree the loan makes good business sense, we move forward, even though she would not have been eligible for a loan through Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac. Are portfolio loans a good idea? A portfolio loan generally isn’t riskier for the consumer than any other kind of mortgage. It is riskier for the banker, which means it can come with higher interest rates and fees. Whether they are a good idea for you depends on your unique situation and goals. Would you be able to qualify for a conventional mortgage with just a little more work and time? Do you have aspirations towards becoming a landlord or real estate investor? Are you trying to purchase a non-traditional property or unique property? Of course you should carefully consider the total picture before you make your final decision. Our loan officers are happy to discuss the risks and benefits of a portfolio loan in your specific case. How do you qualify for a portfolio loan?  Applying for a portfolio loan isn’t just about forms and numbers. It’s about your story. Be prepared to sit down and discuss yours. Tell us what your assets are, what you hope to accomplish, what’s behind, and what’s ahead. Be thorough and be transparent, even if you think parts of your situation might create an issue. We might be willing to work with you anyway, or we might be able to walk you through specific steps you can take to address areas of concern. What are some common uses for a portfolio loan?  Many of our customers have used portfolio loans to: Purchase a residence after a bankruptcy, short sale, foreclosure, or divorce. Purchase a residence while self-employed. Purchase a residence as a foreign national. Purchase a rental property or a fix-and-flip […]

IRA Non-Recourse Loans – Get Started with Us Today

IRA Non-Recourse Loans | SouthStar Bank Consider the following scenario: You want to buy real estate using your self-directed IRA. The non-recourse loan is applied for by your IRA or retirement plan and the debt is secured by real estate.   Some of your IRA money and the non-recourse loan are used to purchase the property, leaving the rest of your IRA funds invested and earning interest. For example, let’s say you find an investment property for $200,000 and have $200,000 in your IRA. You don’t use all the money in your IRA, but maybe $100,000, then you can get a non-recourse loan in the name of the self-directed IRA to make up the difference. Your IRA now has $100,000 in it, which is earning interest and growing. These loans are often utilized to provide you with additional funds in the event that your property requires repairs or upgrades, or to invest in commercial real estate. Taking out a non-recourse loan allows you to diversify your investing portfolio rather than putting all of your eggs in one basket. It’s a huge win for you and your retirement account. By leveraging the bank’s money, non-recourse lending enhances your IRA. Furthermore, the IRA’s money is safeguarded and can be used for other investments. How Do Non-Recourse Loans Work? When you have a small IRA or just don’t have enough funds to invest in real estate, your IRA can get a non-recourse mortgage loan. The non-recourse loan is a loan in the name of the IRA, secured by collateral (usually the property being purchased). The loan is based on the value of the real estate investment and in most situations, the IRA holder’s credit does not play a role in the IRA’s eligibility. Borrow What You Need There is no minimum or maximum loan amount at SouthStar Bank. The loan is in your IRA’s name and the amount you can borrow is determined by the value of your real estate investment. SouthStar Bank offers non-recourse IRA loans for single-family houses and condominiums (2-4 units). Keep in mind that the property’s net operational income/cash flow must be sufficient to cover loan payments. A percentage of the purchase price must be vested in a self-directed IRA for eligible borrowers. Your non-recourse IRA loan down payment will be determined by the property you buy, its condition and estimated cash flow. A 40 percent down payment is usually required by SouthStar Bank. Non-Recourse Loan Benefits A non-recourse loan, as mentioned above, is a form of loan that you can take out using your IRA to buy real estate investments. Your IRA owns these loans, which are subject to UDFI (unrelated debt-financed income) and must be returned through your IRA. Non-recourse loans have other advantages than helping you finance your real estate venture. Your IRA, not you, is responsible for your loan When you open a non-recourse loan, your IRA owns it, not you, which means that you will not be held personally liable should anything happen over […]

Welcome Tyler Lee

Tyler Lee will join the SouthStar Bank Georgetown Branch as Vice President of Lending. With over 20 years in the financial industry, Tyler’s experience allows him to help clients in many different aspects of their life, from consumer home loans to SBA and commercial real estate lending. Tyler Lee NMLS#614284

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