Are you a homeowner who plans to purchase your second home in 2024? If so, you will be applying for a mortgage under different circumstances than those under which you bought your first home. Securing a loan for a second home is more complicated, more difficult, and even includes two separate sets of rules - one for vacation homes and another for investment properties. 

Let’s examine these two types of homes, the rules that govern them, and the pros and cons of each approach when it comes to your finances. 

What Qualifies as a Vacation Home?

Your primary residence is where you’ll spend most of your time, of course, but you are permitted to have one or more vacation homes as well, or even a residence that you use as your office. Either way,

If you own an investment property, you already know that getting a mortgage for this type of property is different than a refi of a primary home. If you recall, the qualifying requirements for getting an investment loan are more stringent than a primary home loan. 

Let's take a look at everything you need to know about refinancing an investment property.

Why Refinance Your Investment Property?

Owning a second property comes with costs, and some may feel that these additional costs tie up too much of their free cash flow. Others choose to refi to free up some money for repairs or improvements to the property. 

If this sounds like you, it could make sense to refinance into a better rate --possibly lowering your mortgage payment --and