Arlington VA: HELOC Bank Recs for Co-Applicant Non-Resident?

Question

Hello!

I initially planned to cash out/refinance my primary residence as if it was a BRRRR, but the rates make the mortgage unmanageable for the long term as I locked in a pretty decent rate at the time of purchase. Instead, I'm looking at options to leverage a HELOC on my primary residence that I purchased with a family member as co-owner, but she lives in a different state. My DTI (on my own) is too high to qualify for a HELOC at the local credit unions that I've talked with, and they won't let someone apply as a co-applicant if they don't live in the property as well. I'm hoping to find a bank that would be willing to let us apply together as co-applicants so I can unlock some (pretty significant) equity in my home. (Banks that won't work include: Tower federal, arlington community federal credit union, and department of commerce federal credit union.)

Any ideas or recommendations that you have would be much appreciated!

Lexie De Stefano · Answer

Hi Paul, thanks for your response! I was able to find that Apple Federal Credit Union allows for a non-occupant co-signor, at least per initial screening conversations with them. Additionally, I've been chatting with a bank in West Virginia that may allow us to move forward as well. Still haven't pulled the trigger yet- we will see!

Paul Defngin · Answer

In my experience, it is pretty standard for second lien lenders not to allow for a non-occupant co-signor. I would be curious to know if you do find one. Keep us updated and post if you find one as I imagine that will be helpful to many thinking about the same thing you’re looking into.