A Strategic Guide for Port St. Lucie Investors: Refinancing to Get Better Rates
PORT ST. LUCIE, FL – AUGUST 6, 2025: Real estate investors in Port St. Lucie, Florida, understand the value of a flexible portfolio. While short-term rentals (STRs) like Airbnb have provided opportunities, a strategic shift to long-term rentals (LTRs) offers greater stability and predictable cash flow. The key to making this transition successfully is securing the right financing. This guide provides an authoritative overview on how to refinance an investment property after stopping Airbnb to get better rates, focusing on a specialized loan product perfectly suited for this pivot.
Refinancing to Get Better Rates:
- The Loan That Enables Your Pivot: The DSCR Advantage
- Current Market Insights & Requirements (as of August 6, 2025)
- GHC Funding: Your Partner for Port St. Lucie Investments
- Advanced Geo-Targeting: Port St. Lucie’s Key Investment Areas
- Essential Resources for Port St. Lucie, FL Investors
- Q&A: Common Questions on Refinancing an Investment Property
- Q: Why is a DSCR loan better than a traditional loan for this conversion?
- Q: How is the rental income for my property determined for the DSCR calculation?
- Q: Can I use this loan for a cash-out refinance?
- Q: Are there prepayment penalties on DSCR loans?
- Q: What is a good DSCR ratio for a loan?
- Q: Can I still get a DSCR loan if my credit score is not excellent?
- Q: How long does the DSCR loan process take?
- Your Next Step
- Contact the experts at GHC Funding.
The Loan That Enables Your Pivot: The DSCR Advantage
Traditional financing can present a significant hurdle for investors transitioning a property from an STR to an LTR. Conventional lenders typically require an extensive review of personal income documentation, such as tax returns, which can be problematic if a short-term rental‘s income has been inconsistent.

This is where a DSCR (Debt Service Coverage Ratio) loan provides a powerful solution. This is a non-qualified mortgage (non-QM) designed specifically for real estate investors. The loan is underwritten based on the property’s ability to generate sufficient cash flow to cover its own debt service (PITI). The primary benefit is that this underwriting process completely bypasses a personal income check, allowing you to qualify for a loan based on the property’s market rent rather than the volatile income of a vacation rental. This is a crucial advantage that traditional financing simply cannot offer.
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Current Market Insights & Requirements (as of August 6, 2025)
The Port St. Lucie real estate market is driven by a robust economy with major employers like FedEx, City Electric Supply, and the Cleveland Clinic Tradition Hospital. This economic stability fuels a consistent demand for long-term rentals. Here’s a breakdown of current market insights for DSCR loans:
Interest Rates: As of today, August 6, 2025, interest rates for DSCR loans for investment properties generally fall within the 7.0% to 9.0% range. The final rate is influenced by a number of factors, including:
- Loan-to-Value (LTV): A lower LTV, signifying more equity in the property, will typically result in a more favorable interest rate.
- DSCR Score: Lenders prefer a DSCR of 1.25 or higher, which indicates the property’s income comfortably exceeds its expenses. A stronger DSCR often leads to better terms.
- Credit Score: While there is no personal income verification, a strong credit score (typically 680 or higher) is a key factor in securing the most competitive rates.
- Property Type: The interest rate can vary slightly depending on the type of property, whether it is a single-family home, condo, or multi-family unit.
Loan Requirements: DSCR loans are designed to be flexible and investor-friendly. Key requirements include:
- No Personal Income Verification: As mentioned, the property’s cash flow is the basis for qualification, not your personal tax returns.
- Entity Requirement: The loan is typically held by a business entity, such as an LLC, which offers a layer of personal liability protection.
- Property Types: DSCR loans are versatile and can be applied to a variety of properties, including single-family homes, condos, and multi-family units (up to four).
GHC Funding: Your Partner for Port St. Lucie Investments
Navigating the refinancing process requires a trusted lending partner with specialized knowledge. GHC Funding is uniquely positioned to assist investors in Port St. Lucie with this exact scenario. Their expertise in DSCR Loans allows for a streamlined underwriting process focused on the property’s performance.
GHC Funding offers a full suite of financing solutions, including SBA 7a loans, SBA 504 Loans, Bridge Loans, and other Alternative Real Estate Financing options. Their deep understanding of the local market and flexible underwriting standards ensure you can access the capital you need efficiently.
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Advanced Geo-Targeting: Port St. Lucie’s Key Investment Areas
Port St. Lucie’s diverse neighborhoods present distinct opportunities for real estate investors. By geo-targeting your long-term rental strategy, you can maximize your returns.
- Tradition (Zip Code 34987): This area is a major economic hub and a popular choice for residents working at the Cleveland Clinic. A home that was a popular STR for visitors can be converted to a long-term rental for hospital employees, providing a stable, high-quality tenant base.
- St. Lucie West (Zip Code 34986): Known for its retail centers and proximity to I-95, St. Lucie West offers a great market for long-term rentals. A property that served as a vacation home can now attract professionals working at local businesses, such as FedEx, ensuring consistent occupancy.
- The Sanctuary at St. Lucie West: This community features upscale single-family homes that are ideal for attracting high-quality tenants seeking a more permanent residence. Converting an Airbnb here can secure premium rental income and long-term appreciation.
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Essential Resources for Port St. Lucie, FL Investors
To stay informed and connected within the local market, consider these high-quality resources:
- Florida Real Estate Commission: The official state regulatory body for real estate, offering crucial information on laws and regulations. You can find their website at https://www.myfloridalicense.com/real-estate-commission/.
- Southeast Florida Real Estate Investors Association (SEFREIA): This organization provides networking, educational resources, and market insights for investors in the region. Visit their site for event information at https://www.sefreia.com/.
- St. Lucie County Property Appraiser: A key resource for detailed property data and market values. Access their resources at https://www.paslc.gov/.
- St. Lucie County Housing Division: For information on local housing programs and data that can impact your investment strategy, visit https://www.stlucieco.gov/departments-and-services/housing.
Q&A: Common Questions on Refinancing an Investment Property
Q: Why is a DSCR loan better than a traditional loan for this conversion?
A: A DSCR loan qualifies based on the property’s rental income, not your personal income. This allows you to avoid the stringent income verification required by traditional lenders, making the process smoother and faster.
Q: How is the rental income for my property determined for the DSCR calculation?
A: The lender will use a professional rental analysis or appraisal to determine the market-rate rent for your property. This allows you to qualify for the loan even if the property is currently vacant.
Q: Can I use this loan for a cash-out refinance?
A: Yes. DSCR loans can be used for cash-out refinances, allowing you to access the equity in your property for other investment opportunities or improvements.
Q: Are there prepayment penalties on DSCR loans?
A: Many DSCR loan products have a prepayment penalty, typically for the first few years. It is important to discuss the specific terms with your lender to ensure they align with your investment strategy.
Q: What is a good DSCR ratio for a loan?
A: A DSCR of 1.25 or higher is generally considered strong by most lenders, indicating a property with robust cash flow.
Q: Can I still get a DSCR loan if my credit score is not excellent?
A: Yes. DSCR loans are more flexible than conventional loans. While a higher credit score will result in a better interest rate, many lenders will work with scores as low as 640, with a focus on the property’s financial performance.
Q: How long does the DSCR loan process take?
A: Due to the streamlined underwriting, a DSCR loan can often close much faster than a conventional loan. The process can typically be completed in as little as three to four weeks.
Your Next Step
Making the strategic pivot to a long-term rental in Port St. Lucie is a smart move for your portfolio. The right financing is the key to unlocking better rates and stable cash flow.
To learn more about your options and get a tailored financing solution for your investment property, contact the experts at GHC Funding.
Call us at 833-572-4327 or visit us online at www.ghcfunding.com.