Lisa Stepp-Seritt NMLS # 680403 Mpire Financial, Sr. Loan Officer

Lisa Stepp-Seritt NMLS # 680403 Mpire Financial, Sr. Loan Officer I help homeowners and real estate investors across the U.S. All links & resources: https://t.mtrbio.com/steppupyourgame

Mortgage & real estate financing specialist | Mpire Financial NMLS # 2108504 | NMLS # 680403 | Equal Housing Opportunity Lender | 24+ yrs helping homeowners & investors nationwide buy, refinance, and unlock equity in residential properties—including short‑term rentals, long‑term rentals, renovation projects, primary homes, and reverse mortgages—backed by 24+ years of mortgage and real estate financing experience. Services include:
– Short‑term and mid‑term rental financing
– Long‑term rental and portfolio / DSCR loans
– Primary home purchase and refinance
– Renovation, construction, and value‑add loans
– Reverse mortgages and equity‑release strategies

Mpire Financial NMLS # 2108504
NMLS # 680403
Equal Housing Opportunity Lender

Based in Knoxville, serving clients nationwide.

09/17/2026

Buying an investment property? 🏠📈

Start with the financing—not the property.

Your loan options can depend on the property type, qualifying rental income, cash requirements, and your overall investment strategy.

And if you're considering DSCR financing, the numbers on the listing aren't necessarily the numbers a lender can use.
Already looking at a property?

Let's review the financing before you make the offer.

LisaStepp.com → Review My Deal

Lisa Stepp-Seritt | NMLS #680403
Mpire Financial
Equal Housing Opportunity

09/07/2026

Should you pay discount points to permanently lower your mortgage interest rate?

Maybe—but the lower rate isn’t the only number that matters.

Before paying points, calculate:

✅ The upfront cost
✅ Your monthly savings
✅ Your break-even point
✅ How long you expect to keep the mortgage

If you sell or refinance before reaching the break-even point, paying points may not have been the best use of your money.

Never buy a lower rate simply because it looks better on paper.

Comment or message me **BUY DOWN**, and I’ll help you compare the cost, potential savings, and break-even point.

Lisa Stepp-Seritt | NMLS #680403
Mpire Financial | NMLS #2108504
Equal Housing Opportunity

Loan programs, interest rates, seller-contribution limits, and eligibility requirements vary. This information is for educational purposes only and is not a commitment to lend. All loans are subject to application, underwriting, and approval.

09/04/2026

Before reducing the price of a home, stop and compare the numbers. 🏠

A price reduction may sound impressive, but it might only lower the buyer’s monthly mortgage payment by a small amount.

Using those same dollars for a seller-funded mortgage buydown could provide the buyer with greater payment relief—especially during the first few years.

That can help the buyer afford the payment while allowing the seller to protect more of the home’s value.

Every transaction is different, so compare both options before negotiating.

Buying, selling, or representing a client? Comment or message me **BUY DOWN** for a complimentary side-by-side comparison.

Lisa Stepp-Seritt | NMLS #680403
Mpire Financial | NMLS #2108504
Equal Housing Opportunity

Loan programs, interest rates, seller-contribution limits, and eligibility requirements vary. This information is for educational purposes only and is not a commitment to lend. All loans are subject to application, underwriting, and approval.

09/04/2026

“I’ll just refinance when rates drop.”

Before you build your short-term rental purchase around that plan, check for a prepayment penalty. 🏡

Some investment property loans charge a penalty if you sell, refinance, or pay down the loan early, depending on the terms.

Ask these three questions:
✅ How long does the penalty last?
✅ How is it calculated?
✅ What triggers it?

A lower rate is only part of the decision. Your loan should also fit your plans—and a future refinance is never guaranteed.

Have a property in mind? Visit LisaStepp.com and select Review My Deal. Let’s discuss your financing before you make an offer.

Lisa Stepp-Seritt | NMLS #680403
Mpire Financial | NMLS #2108504
Equal Housing Opportunity

Educational purposes only. Not a commitment to lend. Loan terms and prepayment penalties vary by program and applicable law. Subject to borrower qualification, property eligibility, and lender requirements.

09/03/2026

Mortgage rates have reached their highest levels in more than a year—but buyers and sellers still have options. 🏠

Before reducing the price of a home, consider what those same dollars could accomplish through a seller-funded mortgage buydown.

In this video, I explain:

✅ Permanent mortgage buydowns
✅ 3-2-1 temporary buydowns
✅ 2-1 temporary buydowns
✅ 1-0 temporary buydowns
✅ Buydown versus price reduction

A mortgage buydown may provide the buyer with greater monthly payment relief than a price reduction alone.

Want a complimentary comparison for your purchase, listing, or client? Comment or message me **BUY DOWN**.

Lisa Stepp-Seritt
Mpire Financial | NMLS #680403
865-352-8222
LisaStepp.com

Loan programs, rates, seller contributions, and eligibility requirements vary. This is not a commitment to lend.

09/03/2026

Before you ask for a price reduction, have you considered seller concessions? 🏡

On a short-term rental purchase, a seller credit may cover eligible closing costs—leaving more of your own cash available for furniture, updates, or your operating cushion.

It isn’t renovation money handed back to you, and it generally can’t cover your down payment. Program limits apply.

A lower price and less cash due at closing solve different problems. Let’s compare the options before you make an offer.

Visit LisaStepp.com and select Review My Deal.

Lisa Stepp-Seritt | NMLS #680403
Mpire Financial | NMLS #2108504
Equal Housing Opportunity

Educational purposes only. Not a commitment to lend. Subject to qualification and program requirements. Seller concessions are subject to program limits and actual eligible costs.

Before you fall in love with that cabin, make sure the financing fits. 🏡My latest article covers three questions to ask ...
09/02/2026

Before you fall in love with that cabin, make sure the financing fits. 🏡

My latest article covers three questions to ask before making an offer:

✅ What rental income can the lender use?
✅ How much cash will you need?
✅ Could a prepayment penalty affect your plans?

Plus, learn how seller concessions may reduce eligible closing costs—leaving more of your own cash available for updates or furnishings.

Read the article:
https://blog.lisastepp.com/post/buying-a-short-term-rental-3-financing-questions-to-ask-before-you-make-an-offer

Have a property in mind? Visit LisaStepp.com and select Review My Deal.

Lisa Stepp-Seritt | NMLS #680403
Mpire Financial | NMLS #2108504
Equal Housing Opportunity

Educational only. Not a commitment to lend. Subject to qualification and program requirements. Seller concessions are subject to eligible costs and program limits. Rental projections do not guarantee income.

09/01/2026

Found a short-term rental you love? Before you make an offer, check the financing—not just the rental projections.

In this video, I cover:
✅ What rental income a lender may accept
✅ Your total cash needed—not just the down payment
✅ Loan terms that fit your plans

Plus, how seller concessions may reduce eligible closing costs, leaving more of your own cash available for updates, furnishings, or reserves.

Have a property in mind? Visit LisaStepp.com and select Review My Deal.

Lisa Stepp-Seritt | NMLS #680403
Mpire Financial | NMLS #2108504
Equal Housing Opportunity

Educational purposes only. Not a commitment to lend. Subject to borrower and property eligibility and lender requirements. Seller concessions are subject to program limits and eligible costs.

08/31/2026

That cabin’s projected rental income looks promising—but will a lender use it to qualify you? 🏡

Seller rental history, property manager estimates, and AirDNA projections aren’t interchangeable. What’s accepted depends on the loan program.

Before you make an offer, understand which numbers your lender can use. And remember: loan qualification doesn’t guarantee positive cash flow.

Have a property in mind? Visit LisaStepp.com and select Review My Deal.

Lisa Stepp-Seritt | NMLS #680403
Mpire Financial | NMLS #2108504
Equal Housing Opportunity

08/28/2026

Closing on a short-term rental with no money left in reserve is not a strong investment strategy.

After the down payment and closing costs, you may still need cash for:

✅ Furniture and supplies
✅ Repairs and improvements
✅ Hot-tub or HVAC problems
✅ Insurance or utility deposits
✅ Slower booking periods
✅ Unexpected operating expenses

The projected revenue may look impressive—but what remains after the mortgage and operating expenses is what matters.

🚨 Before making an offer, DM me **RESERVES**. I’ll review the financing, estimated payment and cash remaining after closing. I can also provide an AirDNA report when needed.

Save this post, share it with another investor and follow **Stepp Up Your Game** for straightforward STR financing education.



Educational purposes only. Not an appraisal, investment, legal or tax advice, a commitment to lend, underwriting decision or guarantee of rental income, eligibility, approval or future performance.

Lisa Stepp-Seritt | NMLS #680403
Mpire Financial | NMLS #2108504 | Equal Housing Opportunity

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Knoxville, TN
37931

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