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Updated over 6 years ago on . Most recent reply
Financing a private island problem
I'm looking for options to refinance one of my investment properties that has unusual circumstances. I'll give a brief rundown and any advise would be appreciated...
1) Bought a private island 2.5 years ago with the owner offering seller financing. Closed on the property with a land contract.
2) Put 15% down and amortized the loan over 7 years so a lot of equity could be built by the time the balloon would be due in 3 years.
3) Contacted my normal mortgage broker through Guaranteed Rate, said should be smooth sailing.
4) Made improvements on the property and the appraisal came in higher than my purchase price.
5) I now currently have over 50% equity in the property.
6) I have excellent credit and plenty of room with my debt to income ratio.
but...
My broker has exhausted every option to get this mortgage refinanced over the past 3 months of shopping my package around. Because the island has 3 "accessory units" on it (in addition to the main lodge, there are 2 cabins and a livable boathouse) every Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac lender's underwriters denied the loan because of an underwriting guideline only allowing 1 accessory unit. Why is this even a rule!?!?
My broker's private bank and private lender options also denied it for being too unique of a property (it being an island) and had a concern about not having year-round emergency vehicle access (it's in Northern WI so we winterize it Oct-April). My broker is at a loss, as am I, and said he has exhausted all his options that he is allowed to sell to.
Does anyone have any good advice on any lenders or companies willing to refinance a unique property like this? I only owe roughly $350,000. I am at a loss on why this was turned down when I thought I had all my ducks lined up! Thanks in advance!
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PS sounds like a cool set up... fly your float plane in ... fish and get away from it all.. that's what I would do !!!
- Jay Hinrichs
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