Dennis Dahlberg - It Can't Get Better Than This!: Fix & Flip

Showing posts with label Fix & Flip. Show all posts

Wednesday, July 18, 2018

Here’s What it Takes to Be a Rebel Rehabber/ Fix & Flip Pro

Curious what it takes to be a rebel rehabber? At Level 4 Funding, we have the pleasure of helping some amazing people who work in the fix and flip business and sometimes they’re kind enough to share their stories with us. We recently had the pleasure of speaking with Yvette Stevens of Miami Beach Fix & Flip, and she not only gave us her personal story, but some epic tips for those of you who are interested in becoming a house flipper as well.

Yvette Always had a Fascination with Finance and Homes

While she may not have known it at the time, Yvette was being primed for the fix and flip business from an early age. Growing up in Chicago, she often visited her father’s construction sites and fell in love. It wasn’t long before she was begging her parents to take her on tours of the city, so she could soak up the architecture and imagine what it would be like to create similar homes. While other kids were nagging their parents for spending cash, Yvette was happily balancing her mother’s checkbook and paying the household bills. It’s no surprise, then, that when it was time for Yvette to choose a career, she jumped headfirst into lending.

One of Yvette’s current projects: completed stock plan, a 2,721-square-foot beauty

She Decided to Kiss the Corporate Ceiling Goodbye

Although Yvette loved many aspects of her career, particularly reading the plans that came in with loan applications, she wasn’t content to sit still. “Corporate America has a ceiling,” she says, “especially for women.” She rebelled. Using her expertise in both construction and lending, Yvette began transitioning into development in 2005, building homes from the ground up.

The Market Crash Left Her with “Beans”

“Real estate goes in ten-year cycles,” she says. The money, mortgages, real estate, and politics are all tied together, resulting in regular shifts. This, she says, is also the cause of the “steak and beans” lending cycle. During lean times, Yvette has been able to refocus on her career in finance, while searching for development opportunities when the market has been good. Like many others, the crash of 2008 hit Yvette hard. She was working on building an entire subdivision that September, but she managed to climb back up out of it and now does fix-and-flip work too.

When Choosing Fix-and-Flip Properties, Yvette Goes for a Blank Slate

Every fix-and-flip pro has a specialty. For Yvette, her ideal property is one she can tear down to the studs, simply because she loves having a blank slate to work with. “The uglier they are, the more we like them,” she says. Her current project is an older home in a historic district, which comes with rigid requirements for what can be done to the outside of the home, but she doesn’t mind at all. “Construction feeds my creative side,” she adds. Her primary focus is Florida these days, but Yvette researches various markets and finds new opportunities all over the country.

Yvette Offers a Wealth of Advice for Potential Fix-and-Flippers

“It’s not that easy,” she says. “People think they’re going to jump in and make money,” but there’s so much more involved. You have to “live, breathe, and eat real estate.”

“You’ve gotta have some cash.” Even if you get 100%, you’ll need to have money set aside for things like closing and emergencies.

“Look at it like a line of credit.” Lenders look for 20% verified liquid assets in order to ensure the borrower can finish the project. “Be prepared. Everybody wants something for nothing these days, but it just doesn’t work that way.”

“Learn, learn, learn before you earn.” Research your market; don’t jump into it. Get a good understanding of how credit and assets work. Learn about the business and concentrate on a market. Yvette’s a fan of BiggerPockets.com and points out that newcomers may benefit from the free information and tools the site offers, like fix-and-flip calculators.

“Make a lot of offers. Keep throwing them up against the wall until one sticks.” Resilience is paramount because you’ll get a lot of rejections before you find one that’s really a great deal you can work with.

“Love what you do. If it’s not fun, you’re not going to be successful.” There will be a lot of ups and downs when you do home rehabs. Enjoying what you do will keep you motivated and on your toes, even when things are difficult.

Learn More

If you’d like to connect with Yvette, head over to her LinkedIn profile and say “Hello.” We’ll be covering the stories of other Level 4 Funding clients as well, so pop back over soon for the next installment. You can also reach out to us directly if you’re interested in financing your next fix-and-flip with a hard money loan.

Monday, May 28, 2018

What Hard Money Lenders Arizona Are Looking For

Understanding what hard money lenders Arizona require to fund a loan will make your application process fast and easy so you can move forward with your real estate investment deal.

Most people feel a great deal of apprehension when they are requesting a loan. There are mountains of paperwork as well as many lofty qualifications that must be met. And even after attempting to meet all of the criteria, many potential borrowers are turned down. But knowing what hard money lenders Arizona require to fund a loan request can turn a difficult situation into a very successful investment deal.

Unlike traditional loans which are based on your creditworthiness and ability to repay the loan, hard money loans are based on the value of the real estate being used to secure the loan. This collateral is really the deciding factor on loan approval and the amount of the loan. So credit issues or no credit will not eliminate your chances of securing a hard money loan.

You also need to understand that hard money lenders Arizona are in business to make money. So even though they are not imposing the credit qualifications that a traditional lender would use, the hard money lender Arizona is going to protect his or her investment. This is done by only funding a loan that is between 65% and 75% of the value of the collateral property. This ensures that if the borrower defaults on the loan, the lender is still able to sell the collateral property to recover the full balance on the loan.

Hard Money Down Payments

Because hard money lenders offer less than the full purchase price of a property, buyers need to furnish the remaining funds in the form of a rather substantial down payment. This actually is a second form of security for the lender as buyers have their own funds tied up in the deal and will work even more diligently to make the deal a success and repay their hard money loan. Lenders look at the borrower having “skin in the game” as a great source of motivation.

A Good Option When Used Correctly

Hard money loans are a good option for many borrowers as long as they understand the process of the loan and how to use the money correctly. Paying a higher interest rate on a short term hard money loan can often be the difference between closing a deal and losing out to someone else who is already funded. Then circling back to a traditional lender to refinance at a lower rate and a longer term is the smart move. But this entire process hinges on borrowers knowing how a hard money loan works and being prepared to work within the terms of this type of loan.

Being prepared to provide the large down payment and being willing to use the full value of the property as collateral on the hard money loan are two steps that each borrower much take to benefit from a hard money loan.

Tuesday, May 22, 2018

Tips to Secure a Business Loan Arizona

Securing a business loan Arizona can be challenging. But following a few tips can greatly improve your chances for a fast approval.

Securing any type of loan can be a very stressful process. But the application process for a business loan Arizona can appear extremely overwhelming. Unlike a personal loan application which is fairly simple and straightforward, a business loan application requires a great deal of information about the business and even the personal finances of the owners or principles of the company. To ensure that you are investing your time in a successful loan application, you will want to be sure to follow a few simple tips that have been found to produce successful results.

The business finances are critical to any loan approval as you might expect. The company should have been profitable for at least two years to have a good chance at securing funding. Having financial statements and credit reports in good order before requesting a loan is very important and will save you a great deal of time when completing application. Also having the owner’s information readily available will make the process less stressful.

In addition to financial information, lenders want to have a good understanding of the company, its history and the experience level of the owners and senior management team. This means detailing the birth and growth of the company as well as explaining the business plan and reason for the loan request. Simply stating that it is for growth or expansion is too vague. Explain what the funds will be used for, how they will benefit the company and the expected return on the investment. Details about how the loan will help the company achieve goals in the five and ten year plan will demonstrate strong and experienced leadership and increase the lenders confidence in your business.

Think Local

Unless you have a very large and well established business, a local lender might be a better option for a business loan Arizona. Local lenders tend to place more value on business history, involvement in the community and the local economy. Large national lenders work more from a very strict formula for loan approvals where a local lender has the ability to “bend” the criteria slightly to process loans that are less favorable. Knowing this though, be certain to have a very well prepared and detailed loan application for local lenders. They will be even more motivated to learn about your business and the professional history of the management team.

Be Well Prepared

When seeking any business loan Arizona, detailed preparation is your best tool for success. Detailed financial information and history about the business will help to establish the creditworthiness of the business. This information presented to a local lender in a professional format is going to create a good first impression for you and for your business. And though the process might take some time, you will find that you stand a much better chance of getting your application approved.

Tuesday, May 1, 2018

What You need to Know About Getting Business Loans Arizona

Obtaining business loans Arizona gives borrowers the chance to get money for their businesses for a variety of uses such as equipment, property, and improvements, to name a few. Level 4 Funding explains the process of applying for this type of loan in the state.

Whether a first time borrower or a multiple time borrower of business loans Arizona, it’s crucial to understand how these loans are different from a loan to purchase a residential home or property, for example. These loans can be very beneficial for business owners that need more cash flow to grow and build their businesses. It can really provide an opportunity for companies in a number of ways. However, preparation is essential.

When preparing to apply for business loans Arizona, you should get your most current credit score report and full credit history to submit to the lender. You should also put together a business plan that details the marketing strategies, analytics of the industry and other statistics that the lender might find helpful in making his decision to approve your loan.

It’s also a good idea to organize both personal and business financial statements and documentation and any other paperwork that the lender advises you to obtain for your business loans Arizona. If you give yourself a head start on preparation, the application process will go much more smoothly and quickly. It’s also important to read through the agreement very thoroughly. Sometimes there are hidden clauses, fees or other verbiage included that you might pass by on the first read. The lender will not take it lightly if you can’t make your payments, so you shouldn’t take this binding contract lightly either.

It’s critical that you know the repercussions of not being able to meet the terms of the agreement.

If you become in breech of that contract, the lender has the right to take ownership of the collateral you put up to secure the loan. This could be your car, your home or your business or you could face foreclosure on your property. Make sure before you agree to a repayment schedule that you really can make those payments, on time, every time.

You might be responsible for other fees when you obtain the loan too.

When you get approved for a loan, there may be charges or other fees that apply, even appraisal costs, etc. that you might not have taken into consideration. The down payment you’ll be required to make is somewhere between 20 to 30 percent (give or take as it relates to the current health of the economy). So above all, double check your finances and budget before signing to make sure you can handle these payments. When seeking a lender in Arizona, Level 4 Funding is your go-to expert for business loans to help you take your business to the next level. Our experts are always available to help you find the loan that will work for you. Call today.

Sunday, April 29, 2018

How to find the right hard money lender for your next project

Just because you cant secure a traditional bank loan doesn't mean you don't have other options, you may have considered a hard money lender but where do you start? What should you expect from a potential lender, and what will a lender expect from you?

A quick google search for private lenders should turn up an endless array of financing options. Because you might need a specific type of lender to match your particular project an online search can prove to be a little overwhelming. You could always try to be more exact with your search terms, trying things like ‘private rehab loans,' or ‘private construction loans.' Being specific with your online searches may help you find the lender that is right for you, but this isn't always the case.

Consider using one numerous lender databases available online to narrow down your financing options. The ideal database would allow you to aim your search for lenders based on the amount of financing you need or will enable you to search for lenders based on your specific project, (i.e., Renovation, construction, commercial, etc).

If you'd rather avoid the hassle of searching for a lender on your own, you could seek out a referral from a licensed mortgage broker. Local real estate investment groups could also put you in touch with lenders they have worked with in the past.

If you find the right lender, the question then becomes what should expect from them and how do you know you're getting the best possible deal.

What should you expect from a potential hard money lender during the application process?

Search relevant government databases to ensure your lender is licensed. Your lender should also be transparent throughout the process. Ensure that they meet their published guidelines related to fees and closing costs. You should also be wary of teaser rates offered by unscrupulous lenders.

Know that every private lender is different and will have their criteria when it comes what they expect from you as a borrower.Ask your lender to be transparent about any documentation you might need throughout the loan application process.

Know what your hard money lender expects from you to get the best deal possible

This type of loan is often used to finance rehabilitation and construction projects.If your seeking financing for renovation or construction, a lender will want to ensure that you are competent and knowledgeable about your project. In these cases, before approaching any lender, have details about the property you wish to purchase, a budget for your renovations and thorough projections about the future profitability of your project. You build up your lenders confidence and gain room to negotiate by demonstrating your understanding of a project's potential.

You need to have a detailed understanding of what your property is worth to qualify for the best possible loan. A private lender usually bases the amount of financing offered on the market value of the property you are purchasing. You won't qualify the largest possible loan if you don't have a good sense of what your property is worth.

Thursday, April 26, 2018

Which type of Hard money loan is right for you?

The "hard "asset being financed secures a typical hard money loan. But there are different types of asset-based loans, so how can you figure out which one is right for given your specific circumstances?

Asset- based lenders consider the value of the property which secures the loan rather than a borrowers credit score, so this type of loan can be more accessible for some borrowers.

The application process is easier than a traditional bank loan as borrowers don't need to provide extensive financial documentation in most cases.

Typical types of asset-based loans include commercial, renovation and cash-out refinance loans. Businesses rather than individuals take out commercial loans.This type of loan is short term, and it is not typically used to purchase real estate or to make long-term investments. Instead commercial loans should be used to cover short-term costs like equipment or inventory.

Borrowers use renovation loans to improve a property and then resell it for a profit. Refinance loans allow borrowers to quickly purchase a property and then later refinance to a traditional mortgage.

So what are some specific situations and how do they relate to these particular types of asset-based loans?

Evaluate your situation to determine which type of hard money loan is right for you

An asset-based loan could be a good solution if your business has sufficient collateral and you cant secure financing from a regular bank. If you want to renovate a distressed property, an asset-based lender is your best bet. Few banks are willing to issue renovation loans because raising the required capital is made difficult by government regulations. Traditional lenders also deem such projects too risky because there is a high risk of default if the borrower's project doesn't go according to plan.

A cash-out refinance loan can be ideal if you want to purchase an investment property quickly. A traditional mortgage can take several months to close. A cash-out refinance loan allows you to make the initial purchase while giving you the option to refinance to a long-term mortgage at a later date.

Whatever circumstances asset-based loans provide you with flexibility, but any lender you approach should be transparent and willing to offer advice.

Beware of hard money lenders that cant offer you specific advice about which loan is right for you

There are other types of asset-based loans of course, but a good lender will carefully consider your situation to find the option that can best meet your needs. You should look elsewhere if a lender isn't transparent or is unable to give you insight into your specific situation.

A commercial loan can be great for businesses owners with a lot of collateral, but who are ineligible for regular financing. A renovation loan can allows you to improve and resell a distressed property, and a cash out-refinance loan allows you to complete time-sensitive transactions. In short, asset-based loans are easier to qualify for, can be used to make speculative investments and can close quickly to complete time-sensitive purchases. Carefully consider your specific situation to find the type of loan to meet your financing needs.

About the Author: Dennis has been working in the real estate industry in some capacity for the last 40 years. He purchased his first property when he was just 18 years old. He quickly learned about the amazing investment opportunities provided by trust deed investing and hard money loans. His desire to help others make money in real estate investing led him to specialize in alternative funding for real estate investors who may have trouble getting a traditional bank loan. Dennis is passionate about alternative funding sources and sharing his knowledge with others to help make their dreams come true. Dennis has been married to his wonderful wife for 42 years. They have 2 beautiful daughters 5 amazing grandchildren. Dennis has been an Arizona resident for the past 40 years.

Technorati Tags: commercial loans,commercial lending,commercial mortgage

Monday, April 23, 2018

Why you shouldn't just rely on appraisals when it comes to hard money

A traditional appraisal is usually the most crucial estimate of a properties value with a conventional mortgage. The situation can be more nuanced when it comes to hard money loans. There are additional factors that fall outside of the scope of an ordinary appraisal, and the amount of financing offered will depend on the valuation of your property. By having your an understanding of what a property might be worth you maximize your chances of qualifying for a more substantial loan.

The standard appraisal is a report given by a licensed professional and usually ranges between 5-70 pages in length. The report will detail information the appraiser used to justify their opinion about a properties market value. A more informal valuation is a broker price opinion, or BPO, which is much shorter than a detailed appraisal and is usually no more than 2-5 pages in length. The value of a BPO depends entirely on the individual broker. Another option is to commission a review of your initial appraisal by yet another appraiser to get a different perspective.

So why can't you solely rely on appraisals or other professional estimates? Appraising a property takes time and in some cases considerable resources. You also need to be aware of things that may fall outside the scope of a typical valuation if you want to qualify for a larger loan, especially when it comes to commercial properties.

When it comes to hard money loans, you benefit by going above and beyond the initial appraisal, especially when it comes to commercial real estate valuations

Having an understanding of what is property is worth is especially useful if you are dealing with commercial property.Know that anything that positively or negatively impacts a commercial properties ability to generate income will have a significant impact on its value.An ordinary appraiser might overlook the impact of a floor plan, the availability of parking or a properties accessibility in their estimate. The usual appraisal might also disregard the potential expense involved in bringing a property up to code or the cost of complying with environmental regulations.

It is vital to perform your own due diligence to see things an appraisal might have missed and to plan for any unforeseen expenses.With asset-based loans, the loan amount depends in most cases on the value of the underlying property. Having a thorough understanding of how your property is valued can help you qualify for a larger loan.

When it comes to hard money loans, always consider the future potential of your project to qualify for the largest loan

In all likelihood, an appraiser will underestimate a properties potential especially if you are renovating a distressed property. An appraiser will never attempt to estimate a properties value in the future, based on your renovations or pricing trends in the immediate area. Projecting the market value of a property is simply beyond the scope of an ordinary appraisal

It is up to you to perform own assessment when it comes to pricing trends in the immediate area, vacancy or occupancy rates, or any potential zoning changes in the future. Any of these factors could cause a property to rise or fall In value in the near future.

Entirely relying on an appraisal could blind you to a project's potential. Do your research and develop your understanding of specific things that could impact the value of your property in the future. You can thoughtfully discuss the potential of your project by performing your own due diligence, allowing you to qualify for the largest possible asset-based loan.

Technorati Tags: commercial loans,commercial lending,commercial mortgage

Saturday, April 21, 2018

Why you might consider a Hard Money Business Loan

If you are having trouble qualifying for traditional financing, a hard money business loan can be a great alternative to a conventional bank loan. With this loan you borrow against assets owned by your business, allowing you to qualify even if you have poor credit.

When it comes to businesses that apply for this type financing the value of their commercial property acts as collateral for the loan. The value of this underlying property is a more critical factor for this type of lender than a borrowers credit score. Those with low credit but with a lot in the way of collateral may find an asset-based loan a good financing strategy.

However, a Business owner will need to consider whether the expense of a loan matches their need for financing. Any type of alternative loan will almost always be more expensive than a traditional business loan.

Before applying for a hard money business loan, consider your need for financing and whether your need is proportional to any assets you might pledge as collateral.

With asset-based loans consider whether your need for financing matches the risk of losing any property you might pledge to back the loan. With this type of business loan there is the potential that the lender could seize your business or other personal property should you default.

However also consider the main advantages of asset-based loans. Because credit is a non-factor, they are easier to qualify for, less documentation is needed and these loans can close within a matter of days. These advantages may outweigh risks depending on your circumstances.

Why should you consider a hard money business loan over other types of alternative financing?

The interest charged on a typical asset based loan is usually 10-15 percent. The higher interest rate on this type of loan is due to the risk assumed by the lender by forgoing the usual credit checks. However, asset-based loans are still less expensive than other types of alternative financing.

You may have considered other alternative financing options which could be far more expensive than an asset-based loan. One example of alternative financing are merchant cash advances, which are loans backed by a percentage of your businesses future sales. Cash advances can consistently eat away at revenue stream, and APR can reach into the triple digits. Some methods of alternative financing may be less expensive, but could take much longer to close. For example, peer-to-peer platforms are one such type of alternative financing. While these loans may be less expensive than an asset based loan there is no guarantee that your loan will ever be fully funded. Asset based loans are less expensive than cash advances and are fully capitalized once your application is approved.

Always perform your due diligence to ensure any potential asset lender is trustworthy. Read online reviews of any potential lender to gauge the lender's honesty and the experience of their borrowers.

Asset based loans can be cheaper and can close faster than other types of alternative loans, making them a great option are you struggling to qualify for traditional financing or if your business needs cash quickly.

Technorati Tags: commercial loans,commercial lending,commercial mortgage

Friday, April 13, 2018

Hard Money Lenders: What Rehabbers Need to Know

You find a house that you would like to rehab and flip, but you have never done this type of project before. This is what you need to know when considering getting a loan through a hard money lender.

Time is of the essence when purchasing a property. Especially in today’s market when many sellers are faced with multiple offers. It’s important to have a lender you can work with in a moment’s notice and one that you can develop a long-term relationship with. Various lenders have different requirements. Hard money lenders will either loan on appraised value after repairs or others will loan on the purchase price. You want to find the lender that will loan on the appraised value. A breakdown of the fees will be given to you by the lender, some of them are loan points; closing fees that can include escrow amount, document fees and notary fees; and the interest amount.

Once the hard money lender decides to proceed on your opportunity, you will have a response such as: “We will lend you 60% of the ARV (appraised repair value), 5 points, 500 document fees, 6-month balloon payment loan at 10%.”

Assuming the property is appraised at $200,000, then your loan will be 60% or $120,000. Upfront costs are $6,000 points plus $500 doc fees. $1,167.60 is the loan payment until the property is sold or 6 months is up.

The Lending Process

1) Talk to the lender to see what they require and what you will need

2) Find a proper deal and put it under contract

3) Contact the lender again and inform them about the property you found, repair costs and what you think the ARV is

4) Have the appraiser value the property, either from the loan company or a list that the lender has supplied you

5) If the lender requires, place the documents they need in Escrow

6) The lender will inform you if they will or will not fund the loan, at what amount, and under what terms

7) You set the date to close the loan, either at the title company or the lawyer’s office. The loan company will issue the checks. If the buyer has cash coming back, the loan company will issue this check as well

In recapping, a hard money loan can be used to acquire distressed properties. The speed of the loan is much faster than conventional financing, usually 2-3 days compared to 30-60 days.

The hard money loans are for terms of 1 to 5 years with interest rates of between 10% to 20% and points between 4% to 7%. The advantage of using a hard money lender is that there is a low threshold for the securing of the loan. It is based mainly on the property value and not your credit or income. A drawback is that, with some lenders, you will need to have the cash to do the repairs and either flip the house or rent it within 6 months. Contact Level 4 Funding to talk with the people who know how to guide you through the process. It’s important to consult with experts as you move forward, especially if this is your first adventure into rehabbing.

Sunday, April 1, 2018

How to Develop an Exit Strategy When Obtaining a Hard Money Loan

An exit strategy is, in essence, your plan for paying off your hard money loan. It is a plan that you will want to develop before you sit down with a lender.

Exit strategies are crucial for obtaining a hard money loan. Many of these lenders offer interest-only payments as you develop or renovate your project. They obtain the big payoff upon completion when you have succeeded in your “exit strategy” and can repay them in full. For those of you in the fix & flip model, your exit strategy is fairly easy to define. You rehab and then sell the property.

Selling the property, then, is your exit strategy. Because timelines can change in the world of construction and rehab as well as finding qualified buyers, it will be important that you look for a hard money lender that does not charge a prepayment penalty. You’ll also want to come to the table with improvement plans that include costs and potential market value as well as comps and average time on the market.

If your real estate segment falls into the buy-and-hold model, selling will, obviously, not be an appropriate exit strategy. A strategy that does work is refinancing. Many traditional lenders that offer lower interest rates with longer terms will not loan on properties in poor conditions. Once you have the property renovated and a suitable tenant, your chances of obtaining a traditional loan are greatly elevated. It could be that you needed a loan quickly to jump on a property that just hit the market. Many investors obtain funding from their hard money lender in order to accomplish a quick buy and then refinance at a later date.

The Sale of Assets

The sale of other assets such as real estate or accessing additional funds such as money from IRAs, the stock market, or business interests is another exit strategy. You may wonder why, in this case, the borrower wouldn’t just dip into their additional assets and bypass the loan process all together. For many investors, time is a crucial component in their investment strategies and waiting while other assets sell may cause them to miss a prime property or opportunity. In essence, you are obtaining a bridge hard money loan. These types of short-term loans simply “buy some time” and act as a “bridge” from either one loan to the next or one property to the next.

Don’t feel like you have to stick with one exit strategy. Blended strategies can often be the best solution depending on the situation.

And just what is a blended strategy? This type of exit strategy utilizes a combination of all of the above to create a strategy that works the best for your particular situation. For instance, if you cannot obtain the full loan amount upon completion of the project, you can sell an asset and reduce the LTV so that a traditional lender will consider financing. Whatever your exit strategy, be sure to check with Level 4 Funding before obtaining your hard money loan. We have years of experience and can help you develop an exit strategy that works well for your project.

Technorati Tags: commercial loans,commercial lending,commercial mortgage

Friday, March 30, 2018

Why Understanding the Basics Helps to Avoid Red Flags on Commercial Loans

Applying for commercial loans is normally a long process. It is important to avoid raising red flags to keep the process as stream lined as possible.

Understanding the basics of commercial loans is critical to completing a loan application correctly and not raising unnecessary red flags which will slow down or stop the application evaluation process. Most commercial loans are offered for between 5 and 10 years but the amortization period is up to 25 years. Requesting a loan for a longer period of time is not normally an option but can indicate to lenders that you might be concerned about your ability to pay the loan in full in the allotted time frame. A standard down payment of 20% to 25% is expected on commercial loans. Again, this is a fairly non-negotiable fact as is a loan to value ratio of 80% or less.

One of the first red flags that a borrower can trigger is by demanding an unreasonably fast loan approval process. Some loans and lenders require 90 days or more to process and fund a loan. In a best case, it will require at least 6 weeks to process a loan application even if you have previously worked with the lender and been successfully awarded funds. An experienced and confident borrower knows the timeframe involved and has planned accordingly. Trying to rush the process indicates either inexperience which could jeopardize your approval or that your financial situation is about to change and you want to get approved before your creditworthiness drops.

Another red flag jumps out if you appear to be withholding information or are intentionally providing vague answers. A lag in response time might not be because you are trying to hide information but even if it is because you are not well prepared or are disorganized, the result is still a negative mark against you. Requiring continued requests for the same information is not going to make the lender bored and cause them to stop asking. It is going to make them worried or more curious and they are going to dig even deeper to find the reason for your secrecy.

Be Realistic

Finally, requesting a loan which is in excess of the 80% loan to value standard is going to create unneeded issues. The first thought is that you have not completed you due diligence and you are unaware of the actual property value. This makes you look ill prepared and unprofessional. The other thought is that you are simply disregarding the standards set by the industry. This makes you appear to be unrealistic and also self-absorbed as if the rules do not apply to you. Neither of these will create a positive image for you with the lender.

Avoid Any Unnecessary Issues

Most commercial lenders adhere fairly closely to the industry standards for loan terms. Understanding these terms and being realistic with your request will keep the process moving at or ahead of the average pace. But trying to rush or refusing to honestly answer legitimate questions posed by the lender will only cause unnecessary questioning of your business and financial stability which could eliminate your chance of securing a loan.

Technorati Tags: commercial loans,commercial lending,commercial mortgage

Wednesday, March 28, 2018

How You Can Solve Your Commercial Loan Woes with the Help of Hard Money Lenders

If you can get a loan, you can catapult your business into the next echelon, so why not shoot for the stars? When you are having trouble getting your commercial loan approved, it might be time to seek the assistance of hard money lenders to get you the cash you need.

Whether you are a first time investor looking at purchasing a property or a new business owner that needs cash fast to get your business off the ground, commercial loans can be a godsend. However, sometimes as a first time borrower, traditional lenders might be a little skeptical of loaning funds. That’s when hard money lenders come in handy. Just when you think you might not be able to get a loan at all, you’ll see that they can help you make your business and investment dreams come true.

Just as with any loan situation, there will be challenges that arise along the road. You will need to be prepared to handle any situation by working closely with your hard money lenders to find a win-win solution. Sometimes it's a matter of finding the right lender for the type of investment or business you have. Sometimes it’s a document or statement you’ll need to provide. Be flexible and patient, while the process can at times be frustrating, it’s important to have a lender you can trust to guide you through it all.

For investors and new business owners looking to purchase property, there are many types that these lenders specialize in like foreclosure properties, “fix and flips”, short sales, construction loans and land loans. These loans are also beneficial for business relocation that needs to happen fast as well as for borrowers that do not have the best credit score or history.

These lenders are very different than conventional bank lenders.

It’s important to know that dealing with conventional lenders are a totally different story – their application process is very detailed and often quite lengthy. There is a lot of bureaucracy and “red tape” that can be avoided with hard money lenders. If you’ve applied for this type of loan in the past, you know the road can be long and arduous. Luckily, that’s not the case with non-traditional lenders and alternative lenders offer many benefits – including an easier application process and quicker turn around time.

It starts with the right lender.

The lender is just as important as the loan itself. It becomes something of a partnership, so finding a lender you can rely on is very important. You will want to ensure they can guide you through the process but also won’t take advantage of you either. Ask around to see if business associates or friends can refer a great lender they’ve worked with in the past. Look for a local lender and don’t be shy about meeting with them and asking questions prior to agreeing to move forward. Once you find the right lender, the road to getting your loan will be much smoother!

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Thursday, March 22, 2018

Defining Working Capital Commercial Loans and Their Good and Bad

Do you wish you could obtain working capital commercial loans to help your business? Level 4 Funding shares the pros and cons of these loans.

The amount of cash a company has to cover standard business operational needs like employee payroll, rent, monthly utilities, paying vendor and more is called “working capital.” Working capital can really come in handy if a new or growing business hits a slow patch or is having growing pains while expanding. Without an extra cushion of working capital to cover these everyday expenses, a company could go out of business or have to file bankruptcy or foreclose on their property. So working capital commercial loans really can be the difference between your company’s success and its downfall.

Working capital loans have lots of benefits. They generally have a very quick approval process, which means you can receive the money you need often inside of a week after the loan is approved. Unlike other types of conventional loans from traditional lenders, there are no stipulations on how the funds from the loan are used. The application process is not as complex as others can be and even if companies don’t have perfect credit or are still establishing credit history, they can still have a chance of getting approved for these types of commercial loans.

There are some drawbacks to these loans, as well, that lendees should know about. For example, due to the fact that they are bit more lenient in some ways, such as credit check and application process approval, these loans typically require that borrowers to put up a specific amount of collateral to obtain the loan. Because they have shorter terms, working capital commercial loans also have higher interest rates than longer-term loans from conventional banks’ repayment schedules.

These loans are ideal for businesses that aren’t “typical” and therefore don’t usually have an easy time getting loan approval from other lenders.

Sometimes lenders require the funding to be used in a certain way (such as for equipment like machinery or computers). But because working capital loans don't, this can be beneficial for companies that don’t need equipment or small or new businesses that could really use the cash to get up and running or through a difficult patch when cash flow is tight. This is also great for niche companies that need supplies or equipment that doesn’t fall in the typical range of what traditional lenders recognize.

If you need cash and you need it now, this is the type of loan for you — and there are lots of lenders that specialize in this exact type of loan.

It’s important to work with a trusted and experienced lender — regardless of the type of loan you need.

Regardless of your business status, credit history or any other factor, it’s important to deal with a lender that you trust to get you the best loan for your needs with the best terms. Do some research on local lenders in your area that specialize in these loans and don’t assume the first lender you meet with will be the right one. Be patient and don’t jump into this important decision too quickly.

Technorati Tags: commercial loans,commercial lending,commercial mortgage