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With a median home price around $1.15 million, Steamboat sits firmly in jumbo territory. But unlike Telluride or Aspen, Steamboat has enough inventory diversity — from ski-in condos to rural acreage — to accommodate a wider range of second-home and investor budgets.
Second Home vs. Investment
Second Home: 50+ miles from primary, you occupy part of the year, rates 0.25–0.5% higher, 10% min down. Short-term rentals allowed with personal use documented.
Investment Property: No occupancy requirement, rates 0.5–0.75% higher, 15–25% down. DSCR loans underwrite using rental income.
Loan Options for Steamboat
Conventional High-Balance: Routt County conforming limit is $1,089,050. A $1.15M purchase with 20% down = $920K loan, inside high-balance. Requires 720+ credit, 6–12 months reserves.
DSCR: Qualify on rental income, not W-2. Steamboat's peak ski-season STR rates ($400–$800/night) produce strong DSCR ratios. See our DSCR loans page.
Portfolio Loans: 65–75% LTV for unusual properties — fractional ownership, unique characteristics.
Down Payment & Reserves
- Conventional 2nd Home: 10% down, 2–6 months PITIA reserves
- Conventional Investment: 15–25% down, 6 months reserves
- DSCR Investment: 20–25% down, 6–12 months reserves
- Jumbo 2nd Home: 20–30% down, 12 months reserves
Steamboat STR Market
Four-season destination: skiing Nov–Apr, hiking/biking/festivals May–Oct. The City of Steamboat Springs requires STR licenses with some zone density limits. Routt County rules differ from city limits. HOAs in condo complexes often have their own STR restrictions. Use specialized STR insurance.
Tax Considerations
14-day rule: Under 14 rental days/year = tax-free income, no deductions. Mixed-use: >14 days rental + personal use = allocate expenses. 1031 exchange: Defer capital gains between investment properties.
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Frequently asked questions
What is the conforming loan limit in Steamboat Springs?
Routt County's 2026 conforming limit is $1,089,050. Loans up to that get high-balance pricing; above is jumbo.
Can I use rental income from Airbnb to qualify in Steamboat?
Yes — with a DSCR loan, the property's projected short-term rental income is the primary qualification factor, not your personal W-2.
Does Steamboat Springs allow short-term rentals?
Both the City and Routt County permit STRs but have licensing requirements and zone restrictions. HOAs in specific complexes may also restrict STRs.
What is the minimum down payment for a Steamboat second home?
Conventional second-home loans allow 10% down. DSCR investment loans typically require 20–25%. Jumbo second home loans generally require 20–30%.
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