
Big Bear & Lake Arrowhead Non-QM, Investment & Condotel Financing
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Big Bear and Lake Arrowhead are two of Southern California’s strongest short-term rental and second-home markets.
They also present unique financing challenges.
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Many properties in these mountain communities fall into categories that traditional lenders struggle with, including:
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• Short-term rental heavy properties
• Non-warrantable condos
• Condotel-style projects
• Investor purchases with complex income
If you’re purchasing or refinancing in Big Bear or Lake Arrowhead, structure matters more than headline rate.
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Financing Challenges in Mountain Markets
Unlike suburban primary residence neighborhoods, Big Bear and Arrowhead properties often have:
• High short-term rental exposure
• HOA complexities
• Non-warrantable condo classifications
• Unique property usage history
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Traditional conventional financing may not always be the best fit depending on project approval status and occupancy type.
This is where alternative investor and Non-QM options may become relevant.
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Financing Options That May Apply
Depending on property type and borrower profile, potential solutions can include:
• DSCR loans (qualify based on rental income)
• Non-QM investor programs
• Bank statement programs for self-employed buyers
• Portfolio-style lending structures
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The key is evaluating the property first — not assuming all condos or short-term rentals qualify the same way.
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Who This Is Best For
This page is designed for:
• Investors purchasing Airbnb-style properties
• Buyers acquiring non-warrantable condos
• Second-home buyers with complex income
• Owners refinancing short-term rental properties
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If you’re actively shopping in Big Bear or Lake Arrowhead, clarity early prevents escrow surprises.
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Start With a Structure Review
Before you write an offer, confirm:
• Property eligibility
• Rental income assumptions
• Down payment expectations
• Reserve requirements
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If you want a clear path forward, start here:
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Once submitted, we’ll outline the cleanest strategy for your scenario.
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We assist buyers purchasing short-term rental and investment properties in:
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• Big Bear Lake
• Lake Arrowhead
• Running Springs
• Crestline
• Palm Springs
• La Quinta
• Indio
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Each community has different property types and financing considerations.
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Content by The Belfor Team, Mortgage Lender California
