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Finance Your Escape or Your Next Investment

Specialized loans designed for second homes, dream vacation getaways, and strategic investment properties. Unik Filen understands the unique path to expanding your real estate portfolio.

Speak to a Second Home Specialist

Second Home vs. Investment Property: What's the Difference?

Understanding the distinctions is crucial. Unik Filen simplifies the complexities so you can make informed decisions about your next property purchase.

Feature Second Home Investment Property
Occupancy You must personally occupy the property for some portion of the year. Cannot be a primary residence and cannot be rented out full-time. Primarily rented out to tenants. Not intended for personal occupancy.
Down Payment Typically starts as low as 10% of the purchase price, provided it meets specific criteria for a true second home. Generally requires 20-25% down payment or more, reflecting a higher perceived risk by lenders.
Interest Rates Slightly higher than primary residence mortgage rates, but more favorable than investment property rates. Generally carry the highest interest rates due to the perceived higher risk and non-owner occupancy nature.
Use of Rental Income Future rental income from a second home cannot be used to qualify for the loan. Future rental income generated by the property may be partially or fully used to help qualify for the loan, depending on lender guidelines.

Why Partner with Unik Filen for Your Portfolio?

Unik Filen is your dedicated partner in expanding your real estate portfolio, offering specialized support for second homes and investment properties.

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Portfolio Strategy

We don't just process loans; we advise on how each new property thoughtfully integrates into your broader financial objectives and long-term wealth growth.

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Nationwide Expertise

From mountain cabins to coastal getaways, our lending capabilities span all 50 states, ensuring expert guidance wherever your dreams take you.

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For Busy Professionals

Our streamlined, digital-first loan process is designed to respect your valuable time, providing efficiency without sacrificing personal attention.

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Unlock Opportunity

We empower you to strategically leverage your current assets and discover new avenues to significantly expand your real estate portfolio.

Common Questions About Vacation Property Loans

For a genuine second home, the down payment can often be as low as 10% of the purchase price. However, if the property is intended primarily for rental income, categorizing it as an investment property, you should anticipate a down payment requirement of 20-25% or more.
You can rent out a true second home for a limited portion of the year to offset costs. However, if your intention is to primarily generate rental income, the property would likely need to be financed as an investment property, which has different qualification criteria. Our experts at Unik Filen can clarify these specific rules for your situation.
While excellent credit is always beneficial, non-primary residence loans typically do require stronger credit scores compared to primary home mortgages. Lenders also generally look for lower debt-to-income ratios and sufficient cash reserves to mitigate perceived risk. We'll help you understand the specific requirements based on your unique financial profile.

Ready to Expand Your Real Estate Portfolio?

Gain tailored advice from Unik Filen's experts who possess deep understanding of the intricate nuances involved in financing both vacation homes and strategic investment properties.

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