Is It Hard to Get a Vacation Home Mortgage?

By Robert Palmer

If you’ve been dreaming of owning a vacation home, one of the first steps you may need to take is securing a mortgage. However, many people wonder if it’s hard to get a vacation home mortgage. The answer to this question depends on several factors.

What is a Vacation Home Mortgage?

A vacation home mortgage is a type of loan that helps finance the purchase of a second home, which is typically used for vacations or weekend getaways. These homes are not primary residences and are not rented out for income.

Factors That Affect Getting a Vacation Home Mortgage

Several factors can affect your ability to secure a vacation home mortgage:

Credit Score

Lenders will look at your credit score to determine if you’re eligible for a vacation home mortgage. Generally, you’ll need a score of at least 620 or higher to qualify. However, some lenders may require higher scores.

Debt-to-Income Ratio

Your debt-to-income ratio (DTI) is the amount of debt you have compared to your income. Lenders will look at this ratio when deciding whether to approve your loan application. Typically, lenders prefer DTIs that are less than 43%.

Down Payment

Most lenders require a down payment of at least 10% to 20% when financing a vacation home. However, some lenders may require higher down payments.

Mortgage Rates

Mortgage rates for vacation homes can be slightly higher than those for primary residences due to the increased risk associated with these types of properties.

How to Increase Your Chances of Getting Approved

If you’re interested in getting a vacation home mortgage, there are several things you can do to increase your chances of getting approved:

Improve Your Credit Score

Work on improving your credit score by paying down debt and making payments on time.

Lower Your DTI

Lower your debt-to-income ratio by paying down debt or increasing your income.

Save for a Larger Down Payment

Save for a larger down payment to show lenders that you’re serious about purchasing a vacation home.

Shop Around for Lenders

Shop around for lenders to find one that offers favorable rates and terms.

The Bottom Line

Getting a vacation home mortgage can be more challenging than getting a mortgage for a primary residence. However, if you have good credit, a low debt-to-income ratio, and can make a sizable down payment, you may be able to secure financing for your dream vacation home.