How to Profit Using Hard Money

February 22, 2010 · Posted in Alternative Financing · Comments Off 

Hard Money is an interesting financial animal. Its
history is colorful to say the least. Born by the need
for rehabbers to get access to funds when a property is
in disrepair and which no bank would lend on, it has grown to a
multi-billion dollar industry.

The early lenders were ex-real estate investors who had
made a few dollars in real estate and then became
lenders in their local area. Now the industry is rapidly
moving toward larger financial institutions and even
larger banks.

As a newer real estate investor, becoming familiar with
how to work with hard money can be one of the most
profitable things you can do early on. This is truly the
information business. If you are able to secure a contract
on a single family home (non-owner occupied) you may
be able to borrow 100% of the purchase costs and even
some or all of the fix up money and closing costs.

One of the most important, but often overlooked, benefits
of working with a hard money lender like this is that someone
with a vested interest in your success has agreed, by virtue of
approving the loan, that you have a real deal.
This can be such a huge bonus for the new person. It can force
you to do your homework when contracting properties to buy.

Honestly properties that fit into the hard money parameters are
some of the best real estate deals out there. So if you get a
property approved for a hard money loan congratulate yourself!

Some of the specifics you need to keep in mind when shopping
for hard money are:

ARV

ARV stands for after repaired value. This number is
important because the amount of money you can borrow is
derived from what the property will sell for when youre
done with your repairs. So know your values. Know what
completely renovated houses will sell for. Most hard money
loans are based on 60 to 65% of the ARV. That means if you
buy a property that will be worth $100,000 when the repairs
are complete you will be able to borrow up to $65,000 from
the lender. This could possibly even include the repair costs
and closing costs if your contract to purchase is low enough.

I think its important to mention here that some people falsely
believe that it is impossible to buy a house for less than 65%
of what it would be worth fixed up. Remember this did not
become a multi-billion dollar industry because the hard money
lenders arent lending money. It is absolutely possible and done
every day. So get out there and find a house

Interest rate: While this is are rapidly becoming
standardized there is still a lot of fluctuation in interest rate
from lender to lender. Dont get bogged down with the
interest rate. The norm is between 12% and 18% or more in
some states. While this sound preposterous compared to what
a normal home loan interest is think of it as access to
capital. The money will only be out from three to six months
You should look to pay what is now becoming the average
which is 13% to 15%.
But competition is forcing the rates as low as 11%

Points: Heres where you do need to be concerned and do
some shopping. Points vary from two, which is rare, to ten
also rare these days but more common than you would think.
The average these days is in the 4 to 6 point range. Now when
you consider a point is one percent of the total loan amount just
a $100,000 dollar loan could range in fees from $1,000 to TEN
thousand dollars. Now that could cut into your profits.

There are other things to consider when shopping for hard money.
One of the first things you need to check on is the availability of
becoming pre-qualified. Does hard money lender have a process
to get you prequalified for the loan? Also, will they issue a very
important document to you call a proof of funds letter. This is very
important as most banks and Realtors and even some sellers these
days will require proof that you are able to fund the transaction.

Second is the pre-payment penalty. Youll want to look into this.
Most hard money lenders dont have one any more because they
realize the loan is just for a short time, but still – ask the question!
Some actually do have time limits like six months or a year in which
time the loan needs to be re-paid but they usually offer a payment
program to extend the loan longer. First off, you
dont want to have the loan out that long but if you do – you want
to know your options.

Heres the thing. Dont let this process scare you. As Ive stated
above working with a lender like this is a good thing. You do
your part and find a good, undervalued home to put a contract on.
Then work with your lender to get the house approved. Remember
youve already been pre-approved for the loan so use that proof of
funds letter to get your first or next property.

Author: Mike Collins
Article Source: EzineArticles.com

Originally posted 2009-11-01 19:27:28. Republished by Blog Post Promoter

Hard Money and Bridge Loans For Real Estate

February 8, 2010 · Posted in Alternative Financing · Comments Off 

Although the hard moneylenders were largely affected when real estate industry crashed in the 80’s, recent credit crunch has brought more business to this sector. People who are in need of loans are turning towards hard money loans after the financing by traditional lenders and banks has come to a halt. The casualness and irresponsibility of these banks and lenders when giving out loans in the past has hit them hard and they are going through a severe liquidity crisis. With this serious drop in supply for finances, hard moneylenders are seen as a reasonable alternative. People and businesses are short of funds, and naturally they have to go for the best substitute available. A hard money loan comes as a last resort in such situations.

Characteristics of a hard money loan:

Hard money loan goes by the principles of mortgage; the distinguishing characteristics are the interest rate and the time consumed in approval. A loan application can take quite some time before getting through all the procedures and verification process that are part of a bank policy. Whereas hard money loans are issued normally by private lenders (though you can find many commercial hard money lenders as well) in relatively short time at higher interest rates and lower loan to value (LTV) ratio. The interest rate or loan to value ratio is not fixed and it keeps changing with the ups and down of real estate market. Hard money loans are often for short period of time (also known as bridge loans) that means the correct quick-sale valuation of the property is vital for the lenders.

Some tips for the borrowers and lenders:

As a borrower, you need some extra efforts to convince hard money lenders (these extra efforts are compensated by their fast approval time, once they are convinced), a hard money lender will believe you more if you are ready to put your cash into the deal as well. This is why they emphasize on low LTV ratio more than your previous credit score when compared to traditional lenders. Along with the advantage of their availability in even hard financial times, they are a much better option when you need quick finance. Being a lender, you should be extremely careful when determining the current value of property. Over estimation or wrong valuation can cause you serious loss in case of default. Also borrowers should try to reach hard moneylenders themselves, without bringing too many agents and brokers in between, as it will save them lots of upfront costs and expenses.

Author: William King
Article Source: EzineArticles.com
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Commercial Hard Money Loans – Best Scenario

February 1, 2010 · Posted in Alternative Financing · Comments Off 

One of the best scenarios for commercial hard money loans is when the borrower has an opportunity that he knows he will make a substantial amount of money on, needs to move on it immediately, and regardless of the fees the hard money lender charges. With this scenario the profit the borrower will make will easily offset the fees the borrower has to pay to the commercial hard money lender.

Commercial Hard Money Loan – Scenario 1

For example, we have recently worked with a borrower that had an opportunity to purchase a fleet of trucks for his business at a 50% discount. Total purchase price on the trucks was just over a million dollars with a value over $2,000,000. On the commercial hard money loan the borrower had to pay 3% in fees in order to get the loan or $30,000, to be able to save over a $1,000,000 of needed trucks for his business. He collateralizes the commercial hard money loan with his building and was able to close in 3 weeks. So $30,000 in fees to save over a $1,000,000…

Commercial Hard Money Loan – Scenario 2

Another similar example is when a borrower wants to purchase a property from a distressed seller at a substantial discount. Typically the seller can’t wait 60 to 90 days to close a conventional commercial real estate loan and instead needs to close in a few weeks or will not offer the discount.

So say the property is really worth $2,000,000 but the seller has agreed to $1,500,000 a $500,000 discount. The buyer would get a commercial hard money loan at 60% of the purchase price or a loan amount of $900,000 and pay say 5% or $45,000 in fees to the commercial hard money lender. So the borrower would save $455,000 by taking advantage of the opportunity. In this case most borrower wouldn’t care (at least that much) about paying the commercial hard money lender their points because of the amount of money they make off the deal.

In general these type of scenario are much easier to close than the bankruptcy/company turn around/debt consolidation type situation. Many commercial hard money lenders no longer look at deals like this.

Author: Jeff Rauth
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Private Lending – Types of Hard Money Loans

January 18, 2010 · Posted in Alternative Financing · Comments Off 

Private lending is an alternative to conventional loans such as you would apply for at your local bank or Mortgage Company. They are also referred to as Hard Money loans. Private loans are short-term loans ranging from 3 months to 3 years. They have a quick approval time line and usually a 55% to 75% LTV (loan to value) rate. This is a great option for residential, commercial, construction, and land investment purchases that are expected to have a fast turn around.

There are a variety of Hard Money loans:

-Hard Money Acquisition Loans – This type of loan is used to acquire real estate using the loan proceeds.

-Mezzanine Financing and Loan – This is a loan subordinate to a Primary Lender. This is a debt instrument, which is paid back at the time of sale or refinance of the total capital stack. Mezzanine loans have flexible structure, including debt and equity mixes that can increase the borrowers leverage.

-Hard Money Acquisition and Development Loan – These loans are used to acquire and develop property with the intention of improving it. The loan proceeds are dispersed with interest only paid on the funds Distributed. The loan amount is determined by the overall LTV Expected following the improvements.

-Asset-Based Hard Money Loan – This can be used for any purpose. Collateral is put up for security. Collateral may be property, equipment, inventory, etc.

-Hard Money Bridge Loan – This is money that is used for only a short period of time until permanent financing is put in place. This is a perfect solution for a business opportunity or acquisition that needs a quick process for financing. Circumstances that may be considered are Buy-Outs; foreclosures; construction; hotel and motel; office complexes; commercial business opportunity; apartment buildings and even golf courses.

-Hard Money Construction Loan – This money is used for the construction of a building or other improvements of real property. The land or the improvements become the collateral for the loan. Some lenders will loan up to 100% of the cost of construction available depending on the determined value upon the completion of all improvements.

-Hard Money Credit Enhancement Loan – This loan is for a borrower who lacks the credit or capacity to acquire a conventional loan of sorts.

-Hard Money Raw Land Loan – This can be used for lots to large acreage. The LTV ratios are determined by the price it would be valued at a 90 day quick sale.

The key to Hard Money loans is the ability to do a quick turnaround in your sale of the property purchased, or speed in which you are able to acquire a more permanent long term financing.

Author: Ginese Wilmot
Article Source: EzineArticles.com
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Residential Hard Money Loans Are Easier To Obtain and Can Be Approved Quicker Than Traditional Loans

January 11, 2010 · Posted in Alternative Financing · Comments Off 

For anyone seeking residential hard money loans, time is of the essence. The major reason that people seek this kind of unconventional financing is because banks simply take too long, or they are unable to meet the increasingly strict criteria that the lending institutions put forth.

There is some confusion over what the money can be used for. One reason for the confusion is that lenders and brokers use different terminology. In some cases, they mean to confuse the borrower. In others, they simply forget that everyone is not as “savvy” as they are. Below, you will find some common terms used by financers and what those terms usually mean.

Acquisition loans are hard money home loans used to purchase a property. The amount available will vary depending on the lender. It is usually a percentage of the appraised value. Commercial banks typically require that you have around 20% of the purchase price. Else, they will charge a higher interest rate. Private lenders may be able to finance the entire amount and the closing costs are usually lower.

Construction loans may be used to build a residence, but they can also be used for repairs, expansions or upgrades. Current homeowners or real estate investors may be interested in these types of hard money home loans. Conventional lenders typically require that the property in question is or will be your main residence before they will approve financing. Private lenders are usually more flexible.

Mezzanine loans typically refer to residential hard money loans that are similar to second mortgages, but the term may also be used to refer to specific kinds of business loans. Mezzanine loans are short term, typically three years or less. The funds may be used for a variety of reasons, including “buying out” a business partner. The amount that you can borrow depends on the resale value of your home or business, minus the amount of other outstanding loans, such as a first mortgage, in other words, the amount of equity that you have.

Asset based hard money home loans may be used for any purpose, as long as you have collateral or assets to “put up”. Conventional lenders refer to them as secured loans. The primary difference is the time that it takes to complete the loan, but there may be other differences. If you have collateral, private lenders may not be as concerned by your credit score. For conventional lenders, a less than perfect credit score may end up costing you thousands of dollars more, because of higher interest rates, if they will approve the loan at all.

Bridge loans fill in the gap when permanent financing solutions are in the works, but the actual purchase needs to be completed quickly. Bridges may be commercial or residential hard money loans. The funds can be used for practically anything. Depending on the lender, there may be no limit to the amount you can borrow. The funds are made available to you quickly. But, bridge loans are very short term solutions, typically not more than 6-24 months. So, you need to know where your long term financing is coming from.

Both private and commercial lenders might use other terms that you do not understand. The best advice: When you do not understand, ask for clarification. As mentioned above, some lenders simply forget that everyone is not familiar with the “lingo”. If a lender is unwilling to explain something to you fully, then you should probably seek another source for your residential hard money loans.

Author: James Whitmore
Article Source: EzineArticles.com
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A Look at Hard Money Loans For Home Purchase and Residential Hard Money Lenders

December 28, 2009 · Posted in Alternative Financing · Comments Off 

Hard money is a way to secure property in a short period of time then refinance into conventional finance and can provide an alternative source of financing for real estate investors. Conventional institutional lenders will not finance hard, hairy loans and on the other side equity investors demand very high returns and/or shares of profits.

Investors who borrow hard money understand that this type of loan is more expensive than conventional loans. A hard money borrower perceives that the loan’s value extends beyond its cost. Investor rehab loans are particularly easy to find with a number of competitors but at the same time you should watch out for the hard money lenders that are also wholesalers.

The Lenders

Lenders of so-called “hard money” are becoming more common and more accessible: Perform a search for “Las Vegas hard money lenders” and you will discover many results, many for the state of Nevada, specifically. There are even private lenders based online, at your convenience.

Lenders have much stricter criteria these days, and for a good reason. In today’s society, the laws favor consumers, not banks. So lenders turn to look at whether or not the applicant is worth the financing and if the business plan is practical. They can scroll through the list of entrepreneurs and make a selection based on the person they wish to lend money. Most loans when approved are made via credit card or PayPal.

Most lenders ask borrowers to pay a minimum of five percent upfront deposits, as a guarantee. The greater amount of deposit will shrink your interest rates and mortgage payments under most circumstances. Lenders want the loan to be current, not to have to complete a foreclosure. But can you make up the defaulted amount over a period of months?

The Borrowers

Most people apply for hard money loans when they have credit problems, are in default, have had a foreclosure or bankruptcy, have been recently unemployed, or for some reason cannot provide proof of income.

Borrowers are advised not to work with hard money lenders who require exorbitant upfront fees prior to funding. If you feel you have been the victim of unfair practices, contact your state’s attorney general office or the office of the state in which the lender operates.

Some borrowers love to use hard money lenders on all real estate deals. Borrowers of hard money loans qualify based on the value of their property more so than the quality of their credit history. However, there is a market out there that hard money lenders cannot fund. So make sure you do your research right before taking on a hard money loans.

Author: Cebi Moshi
Article Source: EzineArticles.com

Real Estate Investing with Hard Money Loans

December 21, 2009 · Posted in Alternative Financing · Comments Off 

Most seasoned real estate investors face situations where they require more money than what the traditional lenders will lend, and here is where real estate investing with hard money loans given by the specialized lenders is useful.

The hard money lenders are actually private money lenders who provide money for a short term. These loans carry a strict repayment schedule. It is given the name as hard money on account of its strict nature. The rates of interest of such loans are also higher than the market rates, and the fees charged upfront, range between 4 to 10 points.

The money lenders of hard money give the investors the access to the capital that is asset based, wherein the loan amount is secured by way of a collateral security. The rate of interest ranges between 14 to 18 percent annually and the term of the loan is normally six to twelve months.

Along with the property as collateral security, the hard money lender requires can require credit reports and well as documented experience in previous deals you have done. The lenders indulge in inspecting the property and making appraisals, before approving the loans.

The lenders of hard money study the intent of the investment on part of the investors, the strategy of exit that is adopted, the information of the property that is provided such as the residential or commercial nature of the property and also check the credit ratio of the concerned borrower. The financial strengths of the borrowers play a vital role in securing the loan.

The fees that are charged are dependant on the risk factors and the quality of the real estate deal. The plans of using the money set by the investors are also carefully studied by the hard money lenders. Hence, it is recommended that the borrowers provide a proper business plan for securing the hard money loans. They need to convince the lenders about the low risk nature of the concerned investments.

The conditions and the terms of approving real estate investing with hard money loans, vary for different lenders. The investors have to find the perfect lenders suitable for them, and ensure that they keep a good relationship with them.

Such types of loans are useful for procuring or purchasing properties. They are also useful for the buyers having low finances, against those that are required for the project, but have good fixed incomes.

Some of the lenders of hard money have choices regarding the type of the real estate investments, such as rehabbing houses, purchasing houses and the options of lease purchasing.

It is easy to lose a potential deal for lack of finances and hence, maintaining proper relations with the hard money lenders is a priority for the investors. The support of such money lenders is very important for the investors if they want to complete the real estate project in a proper manner. Good relations with lenders are a blessing in disguise for the investors.

Author: Charles W. Moore
Article Source: EzineArticles.com
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Investing In Hard Money Loan Specialists

December 14, 2009 · Posted in Alternative Financing · Comments Off 

If you are flush with funds and are seeking to find a good investment venue where you could deposit your capital, you should be looking at investment opportunities that would surely provide good and secured returns. Why not invest in a hard money specialist? Check out Coastal La Jolla Funding and see how the company could provide you with a good investment chance. Coastal La Jolla Finding is specifically known as a provider of hard money loans. The business is at the bullish side because more borrowers are filing loans at the company.

You know that hard money personal loans and poor credit loans are implementing significantly higher interest rates. That is a usual market practice and is legitimate. That is because such loans are posing greater risks to the lenders. Borrowers of such loan facilities are usually on the desperate side to accept and conform to the high interest rate provisions. That is why hard money loan specialists are also earning more than conventional loan providers. In fact, among the fastest growing financial firms not just in the United States but all around the world are hard money or poor credit loan providers.

That is a good reason why investors flock to hard money loan providers. Like most financial firms, such entities are welcoming investments because doing so is helping them expand and broaden their overall capital. Hard money loan providers know that to be able to attract and motivate investors, good investment rates and returns must be secured and provided. As an investor, it is logical that you aim to place your investments and resources at venues where they can grow to the fullest.

At Costal La Jolla Funding, you can be rest assured that your money would be productive. Some current investors even assert that their investments in the company are earning better that in any other venues. Investments in such loan providers are comparatively faster paced and more yielding than those at equities and other opportunities.

The sub prime mortgage lending sector is problematic during the current times. But Coastal La Jolla Funding sees this slump not as a setback but as an opportunity to further grow businesses. By sticking to such loans and to hard money loans, the company is proving that bad times could be converted into the best profit generating moments.

How can you be assured that the company would not fail? First, Coastal La Jolla Funding has strategies to secure itself and the hard money loans it provides. The company takes some equities to the mortgage loans and several other assets of the borrowers. Thus, no matter what happens, the company is holding security and is ensured that losses on loans even if borrowers become delinquent would not be incurred.

There are also existing legal contracts that are binding the company and its borrowers. Thus, there is a great assurance that the loan facilities are tenured and secured. Before making and placing the investment, you would be oriented to the basic company operations. If you would have any queries or doubts, you could easily raise your concerns and the company would be quick to address those issues.

There would also be secured contracts between you and Coastal La Jolla Funding to give you peace of mind over your investments. You will have the option on the frequency and terms of your investment. If you want, you could opt to collect returns annually, bi-annually or whatever term period you may like.

Investing in Coastal La Jolla Funding can also be considered a good deed and advocacy. If you want to help out financially needy people, investing in the company could be a good revenue and at the same time profitable. You know that most consumers nowadays are finding it hard to secure much needed and necessary loans. Hard money loans providers like Coastal La Jolla Finding is are somehow helping them raise money for their urgent needs for investments, startup businesses and even personal matters.

Author: Tim Doscher
Article Source: EzineArticles.com
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Hard Money Lending is Alive and Well

December 6, 2009 · Posted in Alternative Financing · Comments Off 

Hard money loans used to be seen as high interest emergency type loans. Not true these days. Some commercial lenders are able to beat most U.S. bank rates by utilizing foreign monies. This allows the interest rate to be determined by the LIBOR which always produces a lower interest rate to start.

As a borrower, you should take advantage of these trying times and contact your commercial lender. Small business loans and equipment loans are quite easy to obtain these days despite what you may think. Commercial lending rules are a lot different than residential; you may be surprised at the great deals you can get.

If you are looking for a business loan try to deal with a consultant. You need an experienced relationship manager that will work closely with your company as your advocate in raising the capital you need. That consultant should learn your organization, industry, and unique financial needs to deliver creative yet sound solutions from a wide range of financing alternatives.

Some types of commercial financing that are readily available are the following:

Lines of Credit
Purchasing new equipment, finance working capital, small or large purchases. You should strive for flexible terms and competitive rates.

Letters of Credit
Facilitates trade and reduces risk for exporters, importers, and among any new or unfamiliar business partners. Sometimes a revolving line of credit makes more sense than a lump-sum loan, when deciding whether to purchase necessary items, pay for improvements, or manage cash flow. It allows you access to a revolving line of credit with flexible repayment terms and options.

Real Estate Loans
Apartment Buildings
Office Buildings
Retail Shopping Centers
Industrial Warehouse Properties
Mixed Use Properties
Corporate Financing

Asset Based Lending
A non-traditional way for asset intensive companies to increase borrowing capacity.

Government Contract Finance
Delivering a full array of financial solutions to companies who perform technical services or manufacturing for any government.

Equipment Financing
This would include manufacturing, transportation, heavy equipment, yacht and corporate aircraft financing.

When looking for a business or commercial loan it is always best to deal with one consultant rather than several brokers or agents. This will save you substantial money and fees in the long run.

The bottom line is thing are looking up in the commercial finance industry. Take advantage of all of the programs available.

Author: Darlene McDonald
Article Source: EzineArticles.com
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