Showing posts with label california hard money. Show all posts

Wednesday, May 30, 2018

The Best Time to Use Hard Money Lenders Arizona

Not every real estate transaction is tailored to a traditional loan. In some cases hard money lenders Arizona is the only choice to meet the terms of a great deal.

There are many moving parts in most real estate investment deals. You might be facing a very small window of opportunity to make the purchase or you might not have the cash on hand to complete the deal. You might even want to hold onto your cash to complete the renovations needed to quickly sell and turn a profit on a property. But whatever challenge cannot be met by a traditional lender, hard money lenders Arizona is probably going to be able to accommodate.

Banks and mortgage companies have a specific process that they must follow for each loan application. And there is a certain amount of time that this process is going to require. So if you have just a few days to raise the funds for a great investment property, a traditional lender is not going to be of much help to you. But hard money lenders Arizona offer a legitimate means of raising the capital that you need quickly.

Sometimes, timing can be an issue not because you need the money very quickly but because you have just completed the purchase of another property. In many cases, you do not have the available credit to make an additional purchase. But a hard money lenders Arizona will only be considering the current market value of the property being used as collateral and not your current debt load. This will allow you to make the additional purchase and not miss out on a great opportunity just due to poor timing.

A Unique Opportunity

Not every real estate investment is a simple case of buying low and selling for a profit. In some cases, the buyer needs to be a visionary who can see the very obscure potential in a property. If this is the case, a bank is not likely to be willing to write a loan for the property. The risk involved will be higher than a traditional lender is willing to assume. But a creative real estate investor will know that a hard money lender will fund the loan. Yes, the risk is high but the opportunity for reward on these types of deals is also high.

Non-Traditional Circumstances

Hard money loans do cost a borrower more in interest and in points. But when a great opportunity presents itself, it can be worth spending a little bit more to make a great deal more in the long run. When you need to process a loan quickly, or have already maxed out your line of credit with a bank, a hard money lender could be your only choice to land a great deal. Hard money lenders are also a good choice when the property is going to require some vision to increase the value and banks are not willing to take the necessary risk.

Monday, May 28, 2018

How to Find Reliable Hard Money Lenders Arizona

Finding reliable hard money lenders Arizona is not as easy as driving to a bank or mortgage company. You will need to invest some time to find the best hard money lender to meet your needs.

Most first time hard money borrowers are not very familiar with the process or their options when it comes to selecting a lender. So it can be very tempting to just accept the first lender who is willing to make you an offer. But there are a few key questions that you should answer when you are assessing potential hard money lenders Arizona.

The hard money lenders website is going to tell you a great deal about how they do business and the actual type of service that they offer. Some sites are very basic and are only used to gather your information. They provide no details about the lender or the types of terms that they offer. Often times you learn after the fact that these sites do not belong to actual hard money lenders Arizona, but instead they are operated by an intermediary or broker who is collecting information on potential borrowers and then turning it over to an actual hard money lender. This is not a person that you want to deal with as they are going to add fees and provide you with no real service. You only want to work directly with the lender.

Professionalism is another important factor when selecting hard money lenders Arizona. You want to work with a lender who can meet your financial needs but also your customer service needs. Reliable contact information, a staff that promptly returns calls and emails and clear and professional documentation are all indication of a professional lender and not a fly by night entity.

Finding a Good Match

Not every hard money lender is going to be a good match for every potential borrower. Some lenders focus only on commercial properties while others prefer to focus on residential properties. Selecting a lender who regularly funds projects similar to yours will undoubtedly make the process smoother and faster which is often a driving motivation for using a hard money lender.

Do Your Homework

Any lender, whether a hard money lender or a traditional lender, is simply a service provider. You would never select a builder for your next home, a contractor or even a car mechanic without checking out the business and its reputation. So you need to commit to the same process with a hard money lender. Be certain that they are in good standing with other borrowers and that they are not embroiled in any legal issues. Check out their reputation with previous clients. Did they offer a professional process and service throughout the life of the loan? Were they reasonable to work with one terms and payments? All of this information will give you insight into what your hard money borrowing experience is likely to be when working with that lender.

Wednesday, May 9, 2018

If You Find Experienced Hard Money Lenders, You’ll Have an Easier Time Getting Your Loan Approved

When you are looking to get your loan application approved, working with professional and experienced hard money lenders will ensure a smooth process. Level 4 Funding offers the following tips to find the right lender.

In the world of loans, finding someone that has a reputable name and that you can trust can mean the difference between a smooth application and approval process and a… not so smooth one. When you are putting the fate of your potential new business or property in the hands of a lender, trust is never more important.

Do your due diligence before you sign on any dotted lines. Look for lenders that have experience in your specific niche, and that have testimonials or references they are willing to share with you. Look online or with the Better Business Bureau to see if you can find out anything about the hard money lenders that is not on their website. You want to make sure that the company has the professional experience to do what it takes to get you the best loan for your needs. This will ensure a smooth and easy transaction.

Give credit to the lender that thinks outside the box.

A fresh or different perspective on the way the loan should be done is always worth considering. If your hard money lenders are willing to get creative to get you the best loan, take that into consideration!

It’s not just about getting the best loan rates.

While rates and your repayment schedule are obviously very important, there are other things that are important too. Sometimes it’s true that you get what you pay for, and you want to make sure you feel good about the advice that your lender providing you with. Look for a local company that is available to speak with you and answer any questions until you feel comfortable with all aspects of the loan contract. Ultimately, it will come down to trust and your gut instinct. Oftentimes, just having a “good feeling” about someone is enough to make your decision about the right lender to get your loan with. The process should be a win-win situation for both the borrower and the lender and if you are both open and honest with one another, that is a great way to ensure the agreement is ideal for all parties involved. So depending on your needs, it’s not always experience, or a local company or fresh creative thinking that wins the day — it’s more about trust and who you really feel can get you the best loan for your needs. Level 4 Funding is a reputable and trustworthy company that would love to be your reliable hard money lenders. Level 4 agents are available for online live chats or give them a call to see how they can be of help to you as you navigate the sometimes unchartered waters of trying to obtain a loan.

Monday, April 30, 2018

How to Evaluate a Property for Hard Money Loans

Real estate property purchases will benefit by knowing some ways to evaluate a property to best obtain hard money loans. Level 4 Funding offers the following tips to best evaluate the property you wish to get a loan for.

When entering the commercial or residential real estate market with the intent to purchase properties, fix them and then sell them for a profit, there are some things you should consider… Especially if you are looking to obtain hard money loans to fund the purchase. The better you are able to evaluate the value and prospective value of the property, the easier time you’ll have persuading lenders to fund your loan.

While unconventional or private lenders that provide investors with hard money loans are primarily interested in the collateral for borrower has to offer. In the case of real estate investors, this is typically the property that is intended to be purchased with the loan.

So it’s important to know what these lenders are going to be looking at when it comes to the property at hand. If you can pre-evaluate these things with a “lender’s eye” you may have an easier time getting approval. Level 4 Funding provides the following criteria: protective equity, which offers investors protection again payment defaults, fluctuations in the market and devaluation of the property; mortgage to value ratio, the property’s percentage of appraised value or quick-sale value – the lower the mortgage amount to the value of the property, the better; resale probability (the quicker the better); the condition of the property – which can affect how much investment will be needed to put into it to make it resalable; and location. The latter is one of the most important aspects of real estate — “location, location, location.” Consider the location of the property above all things.

There are many factors to consider, and each lender may consider some factors more important than others.

While the above are just a few of the major ones, there is a multitude of things that need to be taken into consideration when looking at an investment property. Lenders may be able to advise you as to which they consider to be most important as it related to the current market conditions.

When looking at an investment property, evaluation is a major part of the process.

With certain properties that go on the market, particularly foreclosures, time is of the essence. However, it’s more important to make a complete and unbiased evaluation of the property before jumping in “blind.” By considering all angles and factors, you can make a more education decision as to whether or not this property will be a good investment, and if you will be able to obtain hard money loans based on its current condition. Level 4 Funding can help real estate investors evaluate their property purchases to order to come to a loan agreement for the right property. Call Level 4 Funding today to see how they can help you find the investment property that will become an investment in your success.

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.

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

Thursday, March 29, 2018

Commercial Real Estate Lenders

Shopping malls are turning into mixed-use developments and online shopping has increased the demand for distribution centers. Investors in this segment are looking for commercial real estate lenders that are familiar with this segment of CRE.

We’ve all seen the boarded-up shopping malls with empty parking lots and decaying signs. And so have commercial real estate lenders. Sears, J.C. Penney, Macy’s, CVS and RadioShack have all reported bankruptcies and store closures, leaving lenders looking for a different venue, or at least a different take on an old classic. Shopping malls have become mixed-use developments that include housing, boutiques, outside concert venues and chef-driven restaurants. And maybe a golf course or two.

The truth is that several of the major delinquent loans are backed by shopping centers. According to REBusinessonline, “Major loans that have fallen past maturity in the past year include several that are backed by shopping centers formerly owned by the Westfield Corporation that were later sold to other REITs.”

This includes the $240 million Westfield Centro Portfolio, the $140 million Westfield Chesterfield and the $110 million Westfield Shoppingtown Independence. Rouse Properties purchased Independence Mall after a few years of foreclosure proceedings. Their goal is to create an “open-air retail destination” with a focus on upscale dining and a grocery market as an anchor. This shopping center giant has been in a restructuring mode since 2014 and just recently announced its sale to a French company. Unibail-Rodamco will reportedly pay $15.7 billion to take over Westfield Corp. It will operate as a REIT in France, the Netherlands, the United Kingdom, and the U.S. Its uncertain if Westfield’s previous plans to seek approval to flatten the Promenade Mall in Woodland Hills, CA and build residences, offices, boutiques, restaurants, hotels and a concert venue is still on target, though chances are the French global property leader will have a similar remodeling plan in mind.

From Retail to Warehouses

Some have blamed the demise in retail and shopping centers on the online giants such as Amazon. But this expanding trail that leads from brick and mortar to mouse and keyboard has left an interesting opportunity for commercial real estate lenders and investors—industrial warehouse and distribution centers. According to American Banker, e-commerce sales are expected to reach $700 billion by 2022. And all those online purchases need a home. While most distribution centers are built on demand, there is a growing number of commercial lenders shelling out the bucks for speculative centers—centers that are selling just as fast as they can be built. In fact, with increasing demand, building in this sector is booming, vacancies are at an almost record low, and rents are rising. Mini-distribution hubs are on the rise as well. Atlanta, Dallas-Fort Worth and Chicago all made the top five in the amount of construction space geared for new warehouse and distribution centers.

Those in the business are looking for commercial real estate lenders who understand the business.

Level 4 Funding has been in the industrial/warehouse segment for over 20 years. We work with over 200 private investors and understand the sectors that they specialize in. With this type of rolodex, we can get you the loan you need at the best possible rate. Closing can occur in as little as a few days, giving you the money you need to purchase that next warehouse, build a distribution center, or develop a mixed-use supercenter in record time. Call us for a no-obligation quote.

Technorati Tags: commercial loans,commercial lending,commercial mortgage

Monday, March 26, 2018

How to Qualify for a Commercial Real Estate Loan

With all the varying requirements, it can be confusing understanding what one needs to do and expect when trying to qualify for a commercial real estate loan. Here’s a few of the basic documents and experience you need when applying for a loan.

No matter which type of lender you are working with, most will prefer that the borrower focus on a property when assessing a loan. This information should include the address and location, purchase price, intended use of structure, amount and scope of work, timeline for rehab, contractor bids and projected after-repair-value (ARV). The more information you can bring to the table, the better, such as drawings and environmental analysis.

The financial information regarding the project includes the rent roll or schedule of leases which basically amounts to the amount of income that can be expected from the property. If the property is under construction, a lender will want to see the general health of the particular market including the area’s vacancy rates and your plan for obtaining tenants. Having pre-leasing in place can be a big checkmark on the “yes” side when trying to obtain a commercial real estate loan.

They will also want to know what type of experience you have and any past investment projects in this specific segment of real estate. Some lenders will check the borrower’s qualifications such as credit history and bank statements. They will want to know your financial situation. Do you have other projects currently in the pipeline? If so, just how much debt are you currently faced with? If you have partners, the lender will want information on them as well. This will be their go-to in case of default.

Pro Forma

Other lenders require a pro forma for a commercial real estate loan. This includes the net operating income (NOI). Also known as EBIT or Earnings Before Interest and Taxes, it is, just that, and helps lenders understand what kind of cash flow you’ll be expecting. It equals all revenue from the property minus all operating expenses. The debt-service-coverage ratio (DSCR) is also part of this documentation and is calculated by dividing the Net Operating Income by the Annual Debt Obligation. The internal rate of return and cap rate are the final pieces of the pro forma puzzle. The internal rate of return is the rate of growth a project is expected to generate while the cap rate is the ratio of Net Operating Income to property asset value.

Conventional commercial real estate loans from banks and credit unions must adhere to strict rules and guidelines when it comes to financing an investment. For this reason, they are often more difficult to obtain loans from than one provided by a private hard money lender.

Traditional lenders will need to check your credit score as well as your creditworthiness. Hard money lenders, on the other hand, do not require income verification or credit references. These short-term loans usually fall into the one to three-year mark, though some will issue loans up to 5 years and allow extensions. Some lenders assess a prepayment penalty, usually 1 to 3 percent, while others do not—Important considerations when funding your project. It is much easier to qualify and faster to obtain funding for hard money real estate loans making them the loan of choice for many investors.

Technorati Tags: commercial loans,commercial lending,commercial mortgage

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

Wednesday, March 21, 2018

Tips for Landing Commercial Loans

Commercial loans are all about risk. Lenders are looking for some very specific criteria before they are willing to approve a loan application.

Commercial loans are more difficult to get than consumer loans because they are often for a much larger dollar amount. Lenders are in business to make money and that means that they must be very selective when lending a large sum of money. Understanding the criteria that lenders use to evaluate applicants and why they have these standards will help you to tailor your documentation to these criteria and show lenders all of the right information about your business.

Lenders are first and foremost concerned with your ability to repay the loan that you are requesting. They want to see long term documentation in the form of profit and loss statements, bank statements and tax returns to demonstrate that your business is financially stable. The might also want to see documentation about other credit which has been extended to your business. This could be in equipment rental, from a supplier of materials, from a property that has been leased or from a vendor. Lenders also favor a borrower who has some cash in savings to cover expenses in the event of a slowdown in business and revenue.

The next big interest for a lender is that the commercial property that you are purchasing has a value greater than the loan which you are requesting. This is because the property will serve as collateral for the loan. In the event that you default on the loan, the lender will take possession of the property and sell it to cover the outstanding balance of your loan. In most cases the loan will only be approved for about 80% of the property’s current value. This is due to the volatility of commercial property values. Having that instant equity in the property assures the lender that even if the property value drops, the loan will still be adequately secured.

Becoming a Personal Guarantor

In some cases a business entity does not have sufficient credit history to demonstrate financial stability. When that is the case commercial loans are secured by a personal guarantor which is normally the owner of the business. The owner needs to be able to demonstrate to the lender that their personal assets and money can be used to cover the loan payments. Again, the lender will need to see documents including bank statements, tax returns and personal net worth statements to verify the guarantor’s finances.

Understand the Lenders Goal

In almost every case, a lender is simply looking at numbers to determine if a loan applicant is a good risk. Knowing this information, it is critical that you show repeatedly that the business is financially stable, has a strong and steady stream of revenue and that you are also financially stable. In addition showing that the business has sufficient cash reserves to bridge a short term cash flow issue will give the lender added confidence in your ability to repay the loan that you are requesting. Approval for commercial loans is based on ability to repay the loan and the financial stability of the business in almost all cases.

Technorati Tags: commercial loans,commercial lending,commercial mortgage

Friday, March 16, 2018

Why You Might Be Getting Denied for Commercial Loans

Getting approved for commercial loans can be tough. Luckily, some small businesses are being able to get a helping hand from lenders and banks. This can lead to a boost in economy and job growth. But some denials are still occurring, so why?

Applying for the loan can be the easy part. Waiting for the answer is what is that hard part. There are many reasons for denials, but one of the most common is insufficient revenue. Showing lack of cash flow is going to turn any lenders or banks away from wanting to help fund you. Your business needs to be able to prove that you have a successful cash flow and are deserving getting extra funding.

Other factors also play a role in approval of commercial loans. Lenders and banks will also take at all equipment that is available or being used. They will also look at the location of your business and the inventory quality. Having issues with any of these things can be reason for denial.

The stability and credibility of your business is also going to play a large role. These things can be proved with an excellent credit score. Coming up with a plan to present to lenders and banks about why the extra funding is needed and how it will boost your revenue is another way to avoid denial. Proving that you have a stellar financial track record and that there is good reason for the funding will almost always guarantee approval on all commercial loans.

Keep in mind that credit always play a large role in approval.

Banks strongly encourage a credit score closer to 700. Lenders are a little less lenient, but still prefer a credit score of at least around 650. If you are having a hard time boosting your credit score. There are many things you can do. Start by making all of your payments on time. Also, start off small. You can try to obtain small loans to help build your credit up so that you won’t get denied when you try applying for larger commercial loans. Planning for the future is always a good idea and you can do this by starting off small and building your way up to larger funding projects.

Really consider if it is the right time to apply because you never want to get denied.

If you aren’t quite ready to apply and get approved for commercial loans, it might be a good idea to wait. It is better to wait for the time to be right than to be denied all the time. Denial can really take a huge hit on your ego. It is best to try and get approved on your first try. So, take your time considering all of the benefits and negatives of applying at this time. Do plenty of research and build a solid foundation. And also, never get a loan when it is not necessary.

Technorati Tags: commercial loans,commercial lending,commercial mortgage

Tuesday, March 21, 2017

FIVE TIPS FOR FINANCING INVESTMENT PROPERTIES

According to a study conducted by the online real estate site Trulia.com, becoming a homeowner is still as important as ever among consumers. In 2016, 75% of those surveyed dream of becoming a homeowner one day, although twenty-two percent of respondents expect it to become increasingly harder to acquire a mortgage.

If you are one of the lucky Americans who already own a home, yet is considering buying an investment property, pay attention to these five important ideas for financing your real estate investment transaction.

How to Find Financing

If you are new to the real estate investment world and have a clean credit report and low debt ratios, a traditional bank is your best bet for financing. Many of the large banks can offer low rates on mortgages to investors with good credit. While investment money is typically a little more expensive, you can still expect great rates that can increase your buying power.

According to Bankrate.com, the average interest rate on a conventional 30-year home loan is 3.65%, with 15-year rates hovering around 2.50%. These rates are some of the lowest in the history of mortgage lending. If there was ever a better time to finance real estate, we haven’t seen it.

Alternative Lending Private Hard Money In California

Portfolio loans are mortgages that a bank keeps on their books, rather than selling on the secondary investment market. Many credit unions or smaller banks offer these types of loans to investors with multiple properties. The loans are typically a little higher priced than their big bank counterparts but have easier qualifying terms.

Portfolio loans are useful; having comparatively fewer regulations associated with them and higher credit limits. You can find portfolio lenders by reaching out to local investment communities or asking your real estate agent. Real estate agents have an extensive network of lenders with which they work, and many have nurtured those relationships specifically for the benefit of their clients.

Seller Carrybacks

A “seller carryback” is a loan, or portion of a loan, that the seller provides and holds. For real estate investors, seller financing is one of the best options available. A property that is seller-financed means that the seller has agreed to personally finance the mortgage at a “market” interest rate with a specified down payment. These loans typically have a shorter term but are a great option for investors who look to re-sell the property in the near future.

The seller has the possibility to either finance the entire property or the difference between the real estate value and the loan available to the consumer. These loans are an excellent opportunity to get immediate financing with a minimum amount of documentation and regulatory headaches. A realtor or escrow company can assist with drawing up the mortgage docs.

Low Capital? Pursue a FHA 203K Loan

FHA loans are a great strategy for fledgling investors with little start-up capital. With a down payment of only 3.5%, an investor can finance the purchase balance, and with repair costs allowed to be calculated into the loan balance. The only downside to 203K loans is that the buyer will have to live in the property for one year before they can rent it or place it on the market.

There are important details to consider when enlisting these types of high-LTV loans. With a smaller down payment, your loan balance will be higher, which means it is vital to determine your cash flow before considering it as a rental property.

Private Hard Money Lending Solutions

Successful and savvy real estate investors are always seeking to build up their portfolio of properties. A financing strategy many of these investors utilize is private hard money capital. Private lending can come from family or friends, but there are also private money lenders that can provide quick financing at comparative rates.

House flippers and fixers typically use this type of funding to snap up below-marked priced rehab properties quickly. The rate may be high, but if you plan to quickly turn around and sell the property, you can cut the annual percentage rate in half

Private Hard Money Pools

Private lenders use funds pooled from investors to provide real estate borrowers with quick access to the capital needed to finance their properties. There has also been an explosion in this market with the addition of crowdfunding for real estate. According to current regulations, accredited investors with more than $ 1 million (excluding their home value) are eligible to participate in such crowdfunding endeavors.

Putting Your Retirement Funds to Work

If you own a Solo 401K or SEP IRA, you can legally use those funds to finance an investment opportunity. For years, people have been using their retirement funds to start a retail business or invest in one, but you can also use it to finance your real estate investment.

Why Use Solo 401K for Property Investment?

• Access to tax-free capital from the sale of investment property

• You have tax-deferral benefits associated with the capital

• You can invest freely with the capital

• Financing of real estate projects with tax-free, non-recourse loans

• Ability to choose from a wide variety of investments

Using a Solo 401K plan to invest in real estate comes with a few restrictions. First, you must put the capital gains or net income back into your 401K plan. Second, all costs and expenses involved with the investment property should originate from the retirement account.

While it does require a fair bit of due-diligence, investing into real estate is a great opportunity to take advantage of record-low mortgage rates and use them to make money. There are few better advantages in life than earning profits with “OPM” – Other People’s Money.

With the popularity of real estate crowdfunding sites and an extensive selection of private money lenders to choose from, access to capital should not be an issue, as long as you are a responsible investor who has done his or her homework in advance.

By Nema Daghbandan, Esq. | Geraci Law Firm || 21-Mar-2017

Technorati Tags: hard money lender in California,hard money lenders in California

Monday, March 20, 2017

How To Spot A Shark Among Hard Money Lenders In California

In a perfect world, every business would have good intentions and want to do nothing but the right thing. Sadly, that is not the case, and some Hard Money Lenders in California are ready to pounce and unsuspecting borrowers like sharks going in for the kill.

It doesn’t happen often, but from time to time there have been shark attacks in the waters off the coast of California. While dangerous, the larger problem for people is not the sharks in the water but the ones on land. No, not Land Sharks like from the old Saturday Night Live sketches or from “shark-nadoes” from the SyFy channel movies.

The sharks people have to worry more about are the unscrupulous Hard Money Lenders in California. They may appear nice. They may act like they are your friend. But if you are not careful and let them get too close, they can make you wish you were swimming with actual sharks rather than doing business with them.

How To Spot A Shark Among Hard Money Lenders In California

In the ocean, it is pretty easy to tell what’s a shark and what isn’t. So when one does get a little too close for comfort you can move away. However, when it comes to Hard Money Lenders in California, it is not as easy. The sharks can be a lot like the good guys. They can say all the right things and appear to be your new best friend while secretly plotting to kill your dream and take you for everything you own.

So—how do you avoid a shark in a sharp suit pretending to be your friend? There are ways to see a shark coming before he/she gets too close to bite:

• Upfront fees or Success fees: If the broker is legitimate, he or she will be compensated by the lender—not you, the borrower. If they want any sort of fee upfront or try to hit you with a “success” fee because they actually did their job right, take your business elsewhere. Something shady is going on.

• Experience: This does not mean an inexperienced lender is a charlatan. But with the barriers to becoming a loan broker being as low as they are, it helps to know about their experience before getting into bed with them. Do they know what they are doing? Have they been successful more often than not? Dig into their history. If any red flags pop up, take your business elsewhere.

• Exclusivity: If your broker works with just one hard money lender in California or only a few, be worried. The better brokers will have relationships developed with numerous lenders and will cultivate more as often as possible to get you a better deal. If they only work with a few, chances are they were created for the sole purpose of funneling clients to those lenders.

• Careful thinking or flooding: a good broker is going to carefully review your application and needs and send your loan package to a select group of hard money lenders that are more apt to approve your loan. A not-so-good broker is going to flood the market with your application in hopes that someone will bite and give you an offer—but not necessarily a good one.

• The Commission: a good broker will take a modest fee from the lender upon the completion of the deal. A bad one will try to take a larger one or charge ridiculous fees. Do your homework, and you can avoid these guys.

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