The STR Home Financing Podcast

Hosted by Jeff Chisum

Business Investing Education

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May 2025

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About the show

Join your host, Jeff Chisum, as he covers the best short-term rental investing and purchasing tips and tricks for your ever growing vacation rental portfolio! Financing solutions, strategies to building a legacy, wealth through vacation properties and all the above, this is the podcast for you to press play, take some notes, and dive right in!

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60 recent

May 21, 20257 min

Ep #67 What else should I be asking?

In this episode, What Else Should I Be Asking?, we unpack two often-overlooked yet critical topics that every short-term rental investor needs to understand before buying their next property. First, we dive into the importance of local regulations and zoning laws—how they can make or break your investment and why you must do more than a quick Google search. Then, we break down the financing side of STRs, including loan types that work best for vacation rental properties and how to avoid common pitfalls with second home and DSCR loans. If you’re serious about building wealth through STRs, this episode will help you ask smarter questions and make more confident decisions. Are you considering buying a short-term rental? This episode is your checklist of what you didn’t know you needed to know. www.strhomefinancing.com

May 14, 202511 min

Ep #66 Pre-Approved, Re-Checked: Why It Matters Again

In this episode Jeff revisits the topic of the mortgage pre-approval process. Jeff explains the timing behind revisiting this topic, noting the busy period his team has been experiencing, resulting in potentially recording their third best month ever. The episode highlights the importance of the pre-approval process in today's market where opportunities abound, including more listings, price reductions, and better negotiation terms. Jeff contrasts a thorough pre-approval process with inadequate ones prone to errors and misunderstandings, emphasizing the precision and detail his team involves. The process at STR Home Financing includes a personal consultation, a detailed application, a soft pull on credit, and a verification of all qualifying information to avoid any issues during the contract period. Jeff stresses the importance of being prepared and having all necessary information at hand to take action when the right property becomes available. He advises potential buyers to go through this comprehensive process to avoid any regrets about missed opportunities in the future. The episode is packed with practical advice and underscores the value of thorough preparation and proactive engagement in the real estate investment market. www.strhomefinancing.com

February 19, 202511 min

Ep #65 Money, Money, Money!

Funding your short-term rental or vacation home isn’t just about having cash in the bank—it’s about knowing where your money can come from. In this episode, I’ll break down the acceptable sources of funds for financing your STR, including savings, gifts, equity from other properties, and even creative strategies that many investors overlook. Understanding these options can make all the difference in getting your deal approved and maximizing your investment potential. If you’re serious about buying your next STR the right way, this episode is a must-listen! www.strhomefinancing.com

February 12, 20259 min

Ep #64 Be Like Elon Musk

Looking Back to Move Forward – STR Home Financing Strategies In this episode, we’re taking a step back to leap forward. I’ll be diving into why reviewing your past moves in short-term rental ownership is the key to unlocking bigger wins in the future. We’ll talk about how adopting an Elon Musk mindset—committing to solving your biggest problem—can transform your investment strategy. Plus, I’ll break down a practical game plan to capitalize on your biggest opportunities, one step at a time, at a pace of one per week. Whether you’re scaling your STR portfolio or just getting started, this episode is packed with insights to help you build momentum and maximize success. Tune in and let’s get to work! www.strhomefinancing.com

February 5, 202512 min

Ep #63 How To Keep Cash In Your Pocket

In this episode of STR Home Financing with Jeff Chisum, we dive into two powerful strategies that can help you maximize cash flow and minimize out-of-pocket expenses when purchasing a short-term rental: seller concessions and cosmetic appearance allowances. Jeff breaks down how negotiating seller concessions can significantly reduce your out of pocket for closing costs, allowing you to allocate more capital toward renovations, furnishings, or reserves. He also explores how cosmetic appearance allowances—a lesser-known yet highly effective tactic—can be leveraged to offset necessary property upgrades while keeping more money in your pocket. If you're an investor looking to optimize your financial strategy in today’s market, this episode is packed with actionable insights that can give you an edge. Tune in and learn how to structure deals that preserve liquidity and boost your return on investment! www.strhomefinancing.com

January 29, 20258 min

Ep #62 Bonus Depreciation

🚀 BIG TAX NEWS for STR Investors! 🚀 In Episode 62 of STR Home Financing, we’re diving into the history of the short-term rental (STR) loophole and its powerful impact on bonus depreciation. We’ll break down: ✅ How the 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act created this game-changing tax advantage ✅ Why the bonus depreciation benefit has been phasing out since 2023 ✅ The exciting possibility that the Trump administration could bring it back! If you own or are thinking about investing in STRs, this episode is a must-listen to stay ahead of the latest tax strategies that could impact your business. 🎙️ 🎧 Tune in now and learn how to maximize your real estate tax benefits! #STRHomeFinancing #RealEstateInvesting #TaxStrategy #BonusDepreciation #ShortTermRentals www.strhomefinancing.com

January 22, 20258 min

Ep #61 Where Do You Stand in 2025

In this episode of the STR Home Financing Podcast, host Jeff Chisum kicks off the new year with a timely discussion on mindset, goal-setting, and taking actionable steps toward your dreams. Jeff reflects on "National Quitters Day," observed on January 10th, when many people abandon their New Year’s resolutions. Instead of resolutions, Jeff and his wife focus on setting meaningful, sustainable goals that drive progress throughout the year. For those aiming to purchase a vacation home in 2025, this episode emphasizes the importance of preparation and taking the first step: getting pre-approved for financing. Jeff explains how setting clear financial goals and starting the pre-approval process can help you move confidently toward owning your dream property. Whether you're setting personal goals or looking to invest in a vacation home, this episode offers the motivation and insights to help you make 2025 your most successful year yet. Don’t miss it! https://www.strhomefinancing.com/

January 15, 202510 min

Ep #60 The Biggest News of 2025...Possibly

In this groundbreaking episode of STR Home Financing, we dive into what could be the most significant development for investors and second-home buyers in recent history: the removal of the PSPAs (Preferred Stock Purchase Agreements) that capped Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac's ability to purchase investment property and second-home loans. This change opens new doors for financing opportunities, offering more flexibility, improved terms, and greater accessibility for buyers looking to build their real estate portfolios. Join me as I break down what this means for you as an investor, how it could impact your financing options, and why this game-changing shift could redefine the landscape for second-home and short-term rental financing. If you're in the market or just curious about how these updates could shape your next move, this is one episode you won’t want to miss! Tune in now to stay ahead of the curve! https://www.strhomefinancing.com/

December 18, 202416 min

Ep #59 Interview with Dr. Rachel Gainsbrugh

In this episode of STR Home Financing, host Jeff Chisum sits down with Dr. Rachel Gainsbrugh, founder of Short Term Gems, to explore her journey in the short-term rental (STR) industry. Dr. Rachel shares insights into her involvement in the STR community, her recent television appearance, and how Short Term Gems assists property owners in streamlining rental management through effective systems. She also delves into tax strategies and offers advice on overcoming the fear of investing in real estate. Connect with Dr. Rachel Gainsbrugh: Instagram: @short.term.gems Book a 1:1 Strategy Session: shorttermgems.com/book Website: shorttermgems.com Tune in to gain expert insights from Dr. Rachel Gainsbrugh on effectively managing short-term rentals, leveraging tax strategies, and confidently stepping into real estate investment. https://www.strhomefinancing.com/

October 2, 20248 min

Ep #58 Reigns on DSCR Loosening

Welcome to Episode 58 of the podcast! Today, we’re diving into some exciting updates for investors, especially those using Debt Service Coverage Ratio (DSCR) loans. The reigns on DSCR loans have been loosened, and there are some key changes you’ll want to know about. We’re talking about reduced cash-out seasoning from 12 to 6 months, increased interested party contributions, and new guidelines for gift funds. We’ll also cover how minimum credit score requirements have shifted, changes to maximum loan-to-value (LTV) ratios, and increased cash-out limits. If you're an investor or thinking about expanding your portfolio, this episode will give you the insights you need to take advantage of these new opportunities! https://www.strhomefinancing.com/