Blog
Is Home Equity Loan Interest Tax Deductible for Rental Property?
Yes, home equity loan interest is generally tax deductible for rental property in 2026 when the loan proceeds are used for rental property purposes like, improvements, repairs, maintenance, or property acquisition costs. Under IRS Publication 527 and Publication 936, the interest deduction is properly classified as an ordinary business expense on Schedule E rather than ... Read more
How Long Is an FHA Appraisal Good For?
An FHA appraisal is valid for 180 days from the appraiser’s effective date. If the loan does not close within that window, the lender can order an appraisal update that extends validity to one full year from the original effective date. This rule comes from HUD’s Single Family Housing Policy Handbook 4000.1 and FHA Mortgagee ... Read more
How Long After Bankruptcy Can I Get an FHA Loan?
You can get an FHA loan 2 years after a Chapter 7 bankruptcy discharge or 12 months after starting your Chapter 13 trustee payment plan with court approval. The Chapter 7 wait is measured from the discharge date, not the filing date. The Chapter 13 wait does not require discharge — you can qualify while ... Read more
How to Get a DSCR Loan
To get a DSCR loan in 2026, follow five steps. Find an investment property that produces a Debt Service Coverage Ratio (DSCR) of 1.0 or higher, partner with a DSCR-focused lender or non-QM mortgage broker, gather your file (credit report, asset statements, current lease or market rent appraisal), submit your application, and close in as ... Read more
HELOC for Investment Property
Investment property HELOC applications are surging in 2026, because of the surge in VRBO, Air BNB and rental property transactions. In August 2026, the market has meaningfully reopened through specialty non-QM lenders, DSCR-focused direct lenders, and select community banks that underwrite investment property HELOCs under the CFPB’s business-purpose exemption rather than consumer Ability-to-Repay rules. (12 ... Read more
Credit Score for a USDA Home Loan
The dream of homeownership is a cornerstone of the American experience, yet for many, the path to securing a mortgage can be fraught with challenges, particularly when it comes to credit requirements. The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) offers a unique opportunity through its home loan programs, designed to assist low- to moderate-income individuals ... Read more
How Do HELOC Payments Work?
HELOC payments work in two distinct phases. During the draw period, typically 5 to 10 years. Most lenders require interest-only payments on the outstanding balance. For example, a $20,000 balance at 8% means a monthly payment of roughly $133, with no principal reduction. Because home equity lines of credit carry variable rates tied to the ... Read more
Can You Buy a Duplex With an FHA Loan?
Yes, you can buy a duplex with an FHA loan in 2026. The FHA 203(b) program lets you purchase a 2-unit property with just 3.5% down at a credit score of 580 or higher, as long as you live in one of the two units as your primary residence for at least one year. Duplexes ... Read more
DSCR Home Equity Loan vs. Non-QM HELOC
When leveraging home equity, borrowers often consider Debt Service Coverage Ratio or DSCR home equity loans and Non-Qualified Mortgage or Non-QM Home Equity Lines of Credit or HELOCs. Both financing options provide liquidity using home equity but cater to different borrowers and financial situations. Understanding their differences helps investors and homeowners choose the right option. ... Read more
Best Conventional Mortgage Loans in 2026
The best conventional loans in 2026 combine competitive mortgage rates, flexible down payment options, and program-specific benefits tailored to different buyer profiles. Homebuyers with 620+ FICO scores can access conventional financing through Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac programs at 30-year fixed rates averaging in the mid-6% range in August 2026, often competing with government-backed FHA ... Read more
CDFI Loans
How to Apply for a CDFI Loan in California in 2026 A CDFI loan is a mortgage, business loan, or other financing product originated by a Community Development Financial Institution—a specialized lender certified by the U.S. Treasury’s CDFI Fund to serve low-income, underbanked, and historically underserved borrowers and communities. CDFI loans cover home purchase, refinance, ... Read more
No Doc Home Loans
No doc home loans in 2026 are popular mortgage programs that replace traditional W-2s, pay stubs, and tax returns with alternative income documentation or, in true no-doc cases, eliminate income documentation entirely and qualify the borrower on credit, equity, and assets. What Are No Doc Loans in 2026? A California Borrower’s Guide to Non-QM, DSCR, ... Read more
How to Refinance House to Pay Off Debt
Refinancing your home to pay off debt involves replacing your existing mortgage with a new one, often with different terms, and utilizing the equity built in your home to consolidate higher-interest debts. This financial strategy can offer several advantages, making it an appealing option for many homeowners. You need to proven mortgage lenders that offer ... Read more
FHA Cash Out Plan to Refinance
It’s time to learn what is the FHA cash-out refinance plan. We will help you uncover the cash out plan refi requirements, pros and cons, and more with our detailed guide. If you’re a homeowner with a mortgage and need money, you can take advantage of the FHA cash-out plan for refinancing. It’s a type ... Read more
How to Get a Second Mortgage for a Rental Property
Investing in rental properties is a great way to build long-term wealth and passive income. One of the most effective ways to finance a rental or investment property is by securing a 2nd mortgage or home equity loan. BD Nationwide can get you matched with lenders that help homeowners and real estate investors secure 2nd ... Read more
How Much Does It Cost to Refinance a Mortgage?
It’s no secret there are closing costs with refinance mortgage loans. There are 3rd-party fees and mortgage refinance costs that must be paid in one way or another. Most borrowers choose not to pay the closing costs upfront, as most lenders will allow you to roll the closing costs on a refinance mortgage into the ... Read more
DSCR vs. Conventional Mortgage
When purchasing a property, selecting the right home financing option is crucial to ensuring financial stability and long-term success. Two common types of home mortgages that real estate investors and homebuyers consider are Debt Service Coverage Ratio (DSCR) loans and conventional mortgages. BD Nationwide has been helping home buyers and real estate investors find the ... Read more
How Is Rental Income Taxed When You Have a Mortgage?
Investing in rental property can be a lucrative endeavor, offering both a steady income stream and potential tax benefits. Understanding how rental income is taxed, especially when you have a mortgage, is crucial for effective financial planning. This article evaluates the taxation of rental income, the deductibility of mortgage interest, and other related tax considerations. ... Read more
Can You Refinance a USDA Mortgage?
Yes, you can refinance a USDA mortgage. The USDA offers specific refinancing options for homeowners with USDA loans, such as the USDA Streamlined Assist Refinance and the USDA Streamline Refinance programs. These rural home loan programs are designed to help borrowers reduce their interest rates and monthly payments or switch from an adjustable-rate mortgage to ... Read more
Are Non-QM Loans Safe?
For the right borrower, non-QM loans are a safe, well-regulated, and time-tested financing option in 2026. The “non-qualified” label refers to a loan’s regulatory classification, not to loan quality or borrower risk. Non-QM loans still require lenders to verify a borrower’s ability to repay, and a decade of data shows cumulative default rates near 3.8% ... Read more
