Question 1

What down payment do I need for an Atherton investment property?

Accepted Answer

Expect 25-30% down minimum, with some lenders requiring 35% on properties above $5 million. Higher down payments offset concentration risk in this ultra-high-value market.

Question 2

Can I use rental income to qualify instead of my personal income?

Accepted Answer

Yes, through DSCR loans that qualify based on the property's rent-to-payment ratio. This works well for investors with complex income or substantial non-W-2 earnings.

Question 3

How long does investor loan approval take in Atherton?

Accepted Answer

Portfolio products typically take 45-60 days due to manual underwriting. Hard money loans can close in 10-14 days if you need faster funding for competitive situations.

Question 4

Do lenders count my existing investment properties against me?

Accepted Answer

They examine your full portfolio and require 6-12 months of reserves per financed property. Strong cash flow on existing rentals actually strengthens your application.

Question 5

What credit score do I need for Atherton investor financing?

Accepted Answer

Most lenders require 680 minimum for investor loans. Portfolio lenders may work with lower scores if you have substantial assets and strong rental income history.

Investor Loans in Atherton: Financing Silicon Valley's Most Exclusive Rental Market