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Sunday, April 14, 2019

All About Arizona Hard Money Loans

What is an Arizona Hard Money Loan and who benefits from these loans?

Arizona Hard Money Loans are unlike conventional loans. They are funded by private investors that are often referred to as Arizona Hard Money Lenders. These loans are based on the value of the property that is being purchased versus the borrower’s credit worthiness. The amount of the loan can be based on either the loan-to-value ratio (LTV) or the after-repair-value (ARV). The LTV is the ratio of loan divided by the value of the property being used as collateral. The ARV is what the property will be worth after the repairs will be done. The loan terms will be different depending on the lender.

Arizona Hard Money Loans are much easier to qualify for than conventional mortgages because the approval is not solely based on the borrower and their ability to pay the loan back, but on the property and what it is worth. This is because in case the borrower defaults on the loan—the lender can repossess the property, sell it and get their money back. These loans typically have 6 months to 3 year terms; in certain situations these loans can be extended out for up to 5 years.

These loans are generally meant for real estate investors for fix and flip and construction projects. However, Arizona Hard Money Lenders can finance residential properties and small business loans as well. Arizona Hard Money Lenders have the freedom to be flexible when working with borrowers. Successful real estate investors have a lender they regularly work with. Not only will the lender often lower interest rates for a repeat customer—they are able to give quick financing when the investor comes upon a property.

Why Use An Arizona Hard Money Loan?

There are many situations in which an Arizona Hard Money Loan will benefit a borrower over traditional bank financing. When an investor comes upon a property they are able to get quick financing because funds are generally available in less than two weeks. This aids investors when competing with all cash buyers. Sellers prefer working with investors that work with Arizona Hard Money Lenders because there is security given to the seller that the deal will not fall through.

If the borrowers credit score is not sufficient to secure traditional lending or they just do not meet bank requirements, Arizona Hard Money Loans are a great alternative. Typically, Arizona Hard Money Lenders do not impose prepayment penalties; meaning, that once the borrower is able to qualify for a conventional mortgage they are able to pay off the Arizona Hard Money Loan without any penalties.

Any time a borrower does not have enough cash or access to any financing, Arizona Hard Money Loans are a great substitute for traditional lending. In this case, as the others, when the borrower finds themselves in a situation to secure traditional financing the Arizona Hard Money Loan can be paid off.

Arizona Hard Money Loans are not the answer to financing for all; however, for many borrowers, Arizona Hard Money Loans can solve their problems.

Arizona Hard Money Lenders are essentially concerned with the collateral that backs the loans. These lenders differentiate in their loan terms. Most lenders work in a certain geographic location. It is important, when researching Arizona Hard Money Lenders, that you do so in your area. Make sure once you locate a lender you ask questions. It’s not only finding a lender that will qualify that is important—it is finding one that your personality and goal mesh well together.

Dennis Dahlber Broker Ri CEO Level 4 Funding LLC Dennis Dahlberg
Broker/RI/CEO/MLO
Level 4 Funding LLC
Hard Money Lender
Hard Money Loans
Hard Money Loan
Arizona Tel: (623) 582-4444
Texas Tel: (512) 516-1177
Dennis@level4funding.com
Dennis Dahlberg Broker/RI/CEO

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 43 years. They have 2 beautiful daughters and 5 amazing grandchildren. Dennis has been an Arizona resident for the past 40 years.

How To Flip Houses With No Money Down

It would be a lie to say that anyone can flip houses with no money down in Arizona and make a profit. However, it is possible with hard work.

I have flipped over 130 homes in the last 10 years. It is not easy, but once you are able to find an effective strategy it becomes easier and a whole lot of fun. I average about $25,000 in profit per flip. However, I didn’t start out making that type of money. My first house flip I profited $4,500— my second, I walked away with $8,000 in my pocket. And, on my third flip I lost $3,200. Don’t let that intimidate you—I want to be honest concerning this business. After 10 years of flipping homes, I have only lost money on five projects. That equals less than 7% of my deals resulting in losses—not too shabby.

Many people think about becoming real estate investors, but never take actions on that thought. There is a good reason for that; becoming an investor means taking risks and removing yourself out of your comfort zone. However, if you are able to make these changes it will be well worth the time. There are many ways you can flip houses with no money down in Arizona (or very little): wholesaling, buying houses that already have a loan on them and partnering with another investor. However, the most effective way to flip houses with no money down is through private money investors—commonly called hard money investors.

My first flip was actually a home I lived in. When my wife and I first met we both owned homes. Once we decided to get married we chose to sell our homes and buy a fixer upper. We lived there for two years, rehabbed it and sold the property. However, at that point we wanted purchase a nice, new home. About a year later I started getting the itch again to rehab a property. Although I had flipped a house previously—I didn’t have a whole lot of experience. We had also taken our time rehabbing the property. On average it should take about 3 months to fix and another 3-6 months to flip a home.

Hard Money Fix and Flip Loans

Arizona Hard Money Lenders will typically approve more than traditional banks. A benefit to working with an Arizona Hard Money Lender is they will approve not only the property loan but the repairs, as well. Arizona Hard Money Lenders are establishments—and occasionally individuals— who borrow money from investors at a certain interest rate and then lend that same money to real estate investors at a higher rate. Arizona Hard Money Loans are short-term loans that generally have terms from six months to three years. To fix and flip a home with no money down find a lender that will lend on the after-repair-value (ARV). Most lenders will finance at least 70% of the ARV. That means they will lend the borrower 70% of what the house will be valued at after it has been rehabbed. For example, if you buy a house for $105,000—but the ARV is $200,000—the Arizona Hard Money Lender will finance $140,000.

Have you been thinking of getting started as a real estate investor?

If flipping houses in Arizona is something you’ve daydreamed about take that step. Research local Arizona Hard Money Lenders and talk to one. For more information, contact us at level4funding.com. We would be more than happy to get you started in the right direction.

Financing For Rental Properties: Conventional Mortgage Or Hard Money?

Buying a rental property is a fantastic way to get additional income. However, it doesn’t come risk-free.

Every investment comes with risks, weighing the pros and cons of buying and managing rental properties one will see that if the market is good and the investor is skilled—rental properties are a great way to attain wealth.

Of course, before diving head first into becoming a land lord you should have enough information to decide if the income stream is a good fit for you and you need to understand the choices when it comes to financing.

Financing For Rental Properties

The first thing an investor needs to figure out is how they will obtain financing for rental properties. It is not as simple as getting approved for the mortgage on your primary residence. There is a reason lenders are skeptical of financing rental properties. Lenders know that if a borrower runs into financial difficulties they are much more likely to walk away from an investment property than their home.

If a borrower is determined to obtain financing through a conventional mortgage they must prepare themselves to put down a minimum of 20%-25% of the purchase price. Fannie Mae requires a minimum of 15% down, but the majority of lenders require even more. A borrower will also need a strong credit score and monthly income. Along with all this—borrowers will also be required to hold higher cash reserves. Reserves are liquid assets that are available after paying the down payment. Examples of these reserves could be: the cash value of insurance policies, checking and savings accounts and investments in any CD’s or stocks and bonds. Most banks will not approve borrowers if they have more than four mortgages. Also, expect when working with a traditional lending institution on rental property mortgages, to double the required documentation and paperwork as you did for your mortgage on your primary residence.

If you don’t have a 25% down payment, don’t have perfect credit, own four or more rental properties or just don’t want to deal with the paperwork from the bank there is another option.

Arizona Hard Money Lenders will lend on rental properties. Unlike banks, they are not required to follow the strict federal guidelines. A borrower does not need perfect credit. The underwriting process from an Arizona Hard Money Lender is minimal in comparison with the banks. Because Arizona Hard Money Lenders are individuals that make their own terms they are able to approve you quickly. Arizona Hard Money Lenders do not need liquid assets because they back loans using the borrowers hard assets— property. Not only can a borrower be approved within 48 hours; they are able to receive their money in two weeks or less. Arizona Hard Money Lenders are flexible and able to negotiate deals because there are no set lending requirements. An investor will likely have lower closing costs associated with the loan, as well. If you are a seasoned real estate investor, none of this is news to you. However, if you are just sticking your toe in the rental waters to see what it feels like—make sure you research all your options.

Saturday, April 13, 2019

Saved By an Arizona Bridge Loan

I had just turned 40 when my father died and I inherited his home. It was a difficult time for our family. And to add to the stress, I had just recently decided to purchase my first home.

Along with the sudden death of my father I was also thrown into a whole slew of new financial responsibility. Being an only child, with an extremely small family, I inherited my father’s home. This had been my childhood home and along with many good memories came the wear of those memories. The house hadn’t appraised for much and needed an enormous amount of rehabilitation.

Because I now owned this home that had numerous mortgages taken out on it, and still owned the bank money, I was told by the bank I would not qualify for a second mortgage and would need to sell my inherited home before applying for a mortgage. I was mortified. I had outgrown my small apartment and saved for a small down payment. I couldn’t live in my childhood home because it wasn’t even safe to live in. I had found myself in quite a pickle.

How You Can Buy A New Home Before Selling Your Old Home

After talking to more attorneys and loan officers than any sane person would want to experience—I was given some gold information. The last loan officer I spoke to asked me if I had considered an Arizona Bridge Loan. He explained that it was an interest-only loan that I could take out while making repairs and selling my father’s home. It sounded perfect and I could not believe no one had offered me this until now.

However, because of a recent bankruptcy I did not qualify for the Arizona Bridge Loan. I was so disappointed and was feeling helpless. I began Googling Arizona Bridge Loans to find out if another bank may qualify me. As I began googling I found myself reading about Arizona Hard Money Loans. I had always though Arizona Hard Money Lenders were sharks. They were the guys in all the gangster movies. Well, come to find out—they aren’t. They are actually nice, normal people that have money to loan and will do so, regardless of a borrower’s credit or income, if they believe it will make a good return. They are simply investors—just as the people that invest on Wall Street.

I was approved within 24 hours for an Arizona Bridge Loan.

Because an Arizona Hard Money Lender determines a borrower’s eligibility based on their assets versus their credit and income the approval time is very quick. I was funded within a week after finding my new home. The Arizona Hard Money Lender based his decision on my hard assets—which were my properties. I was able to pay the interest only on my father’s home which left me with enough to pay my new mortgage. I was also able to tack on financing for the rehab of my father’s home—making it possible to sell. Once, I sold my father’s home I was able to pay the Arizona Bridge Loan off without penalty and profited what was left over. If it wasn’t for my Arizona Hard Money Lender helping me, I would very easily have been living in my childhood home for many years.

You Can Own Multiple Rental Properties With Less Stress

Most banks will tell you that four investment, or rental, properties is the maximum amount of properties a borrower can finance. However, that is not 100% true.

There are ways an investor can finance multiple rental properties (more than four). Banks are skeptical of lending to more than four properties. Truthfully, there are some banks that will finance more than four investment properties, but it takes a lot of energy and research to find these banks.

Technically, Fannie Mae guidelines state that investors are able to get loans on up to 10 properties. However, banks will tell you they cannot authorize a fifth mortgage, let alone a sixth or seventh. The reason behind the banks creating their loan stipulation is that beyond four mortgages is just too risky. Even if you find a bank that is willing to work with you through financing over four mortgages most banks will only allow a 70% loan to value ratio and most likely will not allow the borrower to take out any cash when or if they choose to refinance these properties.

So Where Do I Go When The Bank Says No To Financing Multiple Rental Properties?

If the bank has said no or can’t give you the terms you need and you don’t have a substantial amount of cash upfront to purchase the properties, an Arizona Hard Money Loan can open up an avenue of lending you may have not been a part of before.

Arizona Hard Money Loans are short-term loans that many investors use to finance a real estate investment project. There are many advantages in using Arizona Hard Money Loans. The convenience of the loan application process can be a project saver. Applying for a conventional mortgage is time consuming. It can easily take months to close on a loan from a traditional lending institution. After approval hard money is typically funded within 2 weeks. Along with the ease of the loan process—Arizona Hard Money Loans have flexibility. Unlike, banks Arizona Hard Money Lenders are able to use flexibility in their loan terms—meaning there can be some negation of the loan terms. An Arizona Hard Money Lender is one person. That means you are dealing with only one person versus an entire team at a bank.

Arizona Hard Money Lenders have no regulations stating how many mortgages they are allowed to approve to a borrower. As long as the borrower has the collateral they will continue to be approved by an Arizona Hard Money Lender. The collateral is typically the collateral the lender uses to secure the loan. There are some lenders that approve of retirement accounts and personal assets to secure the loan. Again, there is flexibility. Once an investor works with the Arizona Hard Money Lender, and they create a personal relationship, terms can improve—this is based on personal trust.

An Arizona Hard Money Loan allows an investor to continue to grow their portfolio.

Real estate investment is an avenue to wealth. Understanding how Arizona Hard Money Lenders operate and forming a relationship with a lender can change your financial world.

The Real Deal on Hard Money

You’ve heard the term “hard money.” But, what exactly is hard money? In simple terms, hard money is a loan that is secured by the borrower’s real estate from a non-traditional lender.

Arizona Hard Money Lenders play an indispensable role in financing a variety of real estate deals. Arizona Hard Money Lenders are private lenders that have money and lend to investors at a slightly higher interest rate. The lenders are not insured by the FDIC, as traditional lending institutions are. Therefore, they charge a higher interest rate in place of the void of insurance.

Compared to traditional banks, Arizona Hard Money Lenders not only have higher interest rates, but they have shorter terms. Arizona Hard Money Loans are for short-term use. The vast majority of these loans’ terms are between six months to a year—however, depending on the situation can often have a three to five year agreement.

What’s The Benefit Of An Arizona Hard Money Loan?

You may be asking yourself, “why would anyone use an Arizona Hard Money Loan when they can just as easily get a loan from the bank and receive lower interest rates?” Well, there are a plethora of reasons borrowers turn to Arizona Hard Money Lenders.

Arizona Hard Money Lenders can approve and fund a borrower much faster than a bank. It can take weeks and often months to be approved by a bank—and even after that, you can easily wait up to 90 days to close. An Arizona Hard Money Loan can be approved in as little as 24 hours and disperse funds in under 10 days.

The underwriting process is much more lenient because Arizona Hard Money Lenders do not have to follow federal guidelines. This speeds up the approval process; often a third party appraisal is not required to purchase the property.

Very few banks will touch a fix and flip property. Because these are homes that are distressed and will not be inhabited by the borrower the banks view these rehab projects as too risky. However, a fix and flip loan is a fantastic option for an Arizona Hard Money Lender to lend work with—fix and flip projects are very short-term making the loan terms of an Arizona Hard Money Loan valuable.

Banks rely heavily on the borrower’s credit score and income; whereas an Arizona Hard Money Lender’s focus is on the value of the property. The value of the property is what is backing an Arizona Hard Money Loan. The hard assets insure the lender will have their money returned. In case of default the Arizona Hard Money Lender can sell the property and make their money back.

The benefits of hard money are vast. For a borrower with good credit, employment and a high enough income looking to purchase their primary home an Arizona Hard Money Loan wouldn’t necessarily benefit them.

However, if a borrower needs money quickly to compete with cash buyers, if they are real estate investors or they need a chance to clean up their credit— an Arizona Hard Money Loan could aid them immensely. Hard money is not for everyone but, it is very useful for those borrowers in need.