Financing a 2nd Home with a Second Mortgage or Refinance

According to the National Association of Realtors (NAR), almost 40 percent - or 3.34 million - of the homes and condominiums bought last year nationwide were by people who were buying second homes. "What we see now is a crossover between largely vacation- and investment-home owners, with people recognizing the value of those investments and pouring more assets into real estate," stated NAR President Thomas M. Stevens. With so many consumers buying investment property, perhaps you're wondering about purchasing a second home or buying a vacation home yourself. Now how do you finance it?

As property values increase, many consumers find that they have equity available to them in their present homes. Twenty-eight percent of investors with an investment property mortgage used their primary residences to procure down payment funds and you may be able to do the same. Taking out an equity loan or second mortgage to do home improvements and increase the equity further is a great idea. However, you can take this idea one step further and utilize it for a down payment on a second home. Taking out a second mortgage may be an excellent way to begin home construction on your dream vacation abode or to buy investment property.

Another means to this end is mortgage refinancing if you don't want a second mortgage. You may still be able to refinance your home at a lower fixed mortgage rate or get lower payments with an adjustable rate mortgage and cash out. You'll also want to think about whether you want a fixed rate mortgage or adjustable rate mortgage on the second property. A fixed rate will ensure stability in payments, but if you plan on flipping, an adjustable mortgage may be the best plan. If you have equity and good credit, your second home may be easier to finance than you think.

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