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Calistoga's wine country appeal draws investors seeking rental properties in Napa County. The county added 1,800 jobs in 2025, signaling steady demand for short-term and long-term rentals.
Investment properties in Calistoga range from modest cottages to luxury estates. DSCR underwriting focuses on the property's debt-service coverage ratio—the annual rental income divided by annual loan payments.
620 FICO
Minimum Credit Score
20% to 30%
Down Payment Range
1.25
Minimum DSCR Ratio
30 to 45 days
Underwriting Timeline
DSCR Loans in Calistoga
DSCR loans require a minimum debt-service coverage ratio, typically 1.25 or higher. That means the property's annual rental income must be at least 1.25 times the annual loan payment.
Credit scores typically start at 620 for DSCR loans, though 680+ is preferred. Down payments range from 20% to 30% depending on the property type and lender.
Local decision guide
Use this guide to connect dscr loans eligibility, lender expectations, and local market factors before comparing payment options in Calistoga.
Calistoga's wine country appeal draws investors seeking rental properties in Napa County. The county added 1,800 jobs in 2025, signaling steady demand for short-term and long-term rentals.
Investment properties in Calistoga range from modest cottages to luxury estates. DSCR underwriting focuses on the property's debt-service coverage ratio—the annual rental income divided by annual loan payments.
DSCR loans require a minimum debt-service coverage ratio, typically 1.25 or higher. That means the property's annual rental income must be at least 1.25 times the annual loan payment.
DSCR loans are a specialized product. Fewer lenders offer them than conventional or FHA loans. Brokers typically source DSCR programs through portfolio lenders or correspondent banks that hold loans in-house rather than selling to Fannie Mae or Freddie Mac.
Underwriting timelines for DSCR loans run 30 to 45 days. Lenders require detailed rental history, lease agreements, and property appraisals.
DSCR loans make sense for Calistoga investors with strong rental properties but irregular personal income. Self-employed investors, business owners, and real estate portfolios often qualify when W-2 income falls short.
DSCR loans don't work for primary residences or owner-occupied properties. If you're buying a home to live in, conventional or FHA loans are faster and cheaper. DSCR is strictly for investment properties where rental income covers the loan payment.
Conventional loans require personal income verification and typically 20% down. DSCR loans ignore your W-2s and focus on the property's rental income instead. If your personal income is low but the property cash flows well, DSCR wins.
FHA loans are for owner-occupied homes only and require 3.5% down. DSCR loans are for investment properties with 20% to 30% down. The two programs serve different buyers—FHA is for homeowners, DSCR is for investors.
Festival Napa Valley's 20th anniversary (July 4-19, 2026) draws thousands of visitors annually. Calistoga's spa resorts and wine tasting rooms fill with tourists year-round.
Napa County's healthcare sector is the clearest growth engine, with employers expanding steadily. That job growth supports long-term rental demand for workforce housing.
A DSCR loan qualifies investors based on the property's rental income, not personal W-2s. Self-employed investors, business owners, and portfolio builders use DSCR when personal income is low but the property cash flows well.
Most lenders require a minimum 1.25 DSCR. That means the property's annual rental income must be at least 1.25 times the annual loan payment. Some lenders accept lower ratios (1.0 to 1.2) with higher rates or larger down payments.
No. DSCR loans are for investment properties only. If you're buying a primary residence, conventional or FHA loans are faster and cheaper. DSCR requires the property to generate rental income.
Most DSCR lenders start at 620 FICO, though 680 or higher is preferred. Credit is secondary to the property's cash flow. A strong DSCR ratio can offset a lower credit score.
DSCR loans typically require 20% to 30% down. The exact amount depends on the property type, location, and lender. Investment properties carry higher down-payment requirements than owner-occupied homes.