Historical Context: The Era Before Handheld Calculators

Back in the days preceding handheld calculators, mortgage loan agents used a tool known as the "loan constant" to calculate monthly payments on home loans. This method relied on calculations performed by large mainframe computers, which determined the monthly payment for a 30-year loan of $1,000 at various interest rates.

Loan Constant Methodology

The loan constant represented the monthly payment per $1,000 of loan at a specific interest rate. For instance, if the interest rate increased from 4% to 4.5%, the loan constant might change to $5.07. To calculate the monthly payment for a loan, agents would multiply the loan constant by the loan amount in thousands. For example, a $20,000 loan at a constant of $5.07 would result in a monthly payment of $101.34 ($5.07 x 20).

Importance in Debt Service Coverage Ratio (DSCR)

Discussing a DSCR with a lender requires specifying the interest rate and amortization schedule used for calculations. Without this information, the ratio lacks relevance and meaning to the lender.

Practical Examples

Consider a loan amount of $400,000 with a Net Operating Income (NOI) of $65,000. The DSCR can vary significantly based on the loan constant:

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1.31 DSCR based on a 12.0%, 30-year loan constant.

1.48 DSCR based on a 9.0%, 20-year loan constant.

1.25 DSCR based on a 13.0% interest-only loan constant.

Best Practices for Loan Summaries

When preparing a Loan Summary or cover letter for a lender, it is essential to: Clearly indicate the DSCR in reference to a specific loan constant. This practice provides clarity and ensures that the lender accurately understands the financials of the loan proposal.

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The use of loan constants represents an interesting historical approach to mortgage calculations, crucial in an era devoid of modern calculators. In contemporary lending practices, while technology has advanced, the principle of specifying rates and terms in DSCR discussions remains vital for clear and effective financial communication between borrowers and lenders.

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