What to Expect With Hard Money Loans Arizona

Hard money loans Arizona offers real estate investors a great tool. But, that tool is only useful if the investor understand the process and knows what to expect.

Hard money loans Arizona represent a good opportunity for many real estate investors. But knowing what to expect from the process and how to prepare are critical to a successful request and having the loan funded. Knowing what the lender is looking for will let you present him or her with the desired information and be prepared to meet the requirements of getting the loan.

Hard money lenders are going to want to see that the borrower has some money in the bank as a safety net in case there are issues with the property or the future transaction. Being cash poor is going to make it difficult for you to pay insurance, invest in repairs to the property or even maintain the property. So it is always wise to create a nest egg before beginning your search for hard money loans Arizona.

As a first time hard money borrower, it is also important that you do your homework. Understanding the terms for hard money loans Arizona is very important. The interest rate is definitely going to be higher than a traditional loan and the terms are going to be much shorter. But that is the price of doing business in the hard money world. However, the advantage for you is that all of the terms on hard money loans Arizona are negotiable. You simply need to work with the lender to agree to terms that meet both your needs and his or her needs.

What to Ask For

The loan to value rate is simple the comparison of the amount that you are asking for and the current market value of the property. In most cases a hard money lender will never fund over 70% of the cost of the property. So you need to be aware of this “magic” number and limit your request accordingly. In addition, you will need to be able to demonstrate your ability to provide the remaining amount of the purchase price for the down payment on the property.

Have a Planed Exit Strategy

All that the lender is really interested in is recovering his or her investment and interest on the hard money loan. But the lender understands that for you to pay off such a large loan in a short period of time, then you will most likely need to resell the property for a profit. So the lender will want to know how you plan to accomplish that task. And because it is only on a very rare occasion that things go perfectly, it is best for the lender and for you, to have more than one exit plan. You might want to do a quick flip on a residential property. But if you can’t find a buyer then a reasonable backup plan it to rent the property and seek a traditional loan to pay off the hard money loan.

Knowing what to expect and being prepared will not only help you to secure a hard money loan but it will also help you to be successful in profiting from that loan.

Tips for Success When Considering Hard Money Loans Arizona

Every industry has its good and bad participants and hard money lending is no exception. But following a few tips can help to ensure success when seeking hard money loans Arizona.

As with any loan, careful evaluations should be completed for each lender and the terms for all hard money loans Arizona. If you are not familiar with the process or the loan documentation it is always a good idea to have your lawyer review any documents before you sign them because a hard money loan document is legally binding. In addition, there are a few other tips that can help you to ensure that your entire loan application and funding process goes smoothly.

There can be a few legitimate upfront fees that a borrower is asked to pay when requesting hard money loans Arizona. But be cautious of any extremely large fees that you are presented with prior to being approved for the loan. In most cases, these fees are being charged by a third party or a “broker” who is not actually the lender but is trying to get a fee and masquerade as a lender. Not only is there a good chance that you will not get funding from this person but there is also a good chance that they will sell your identity or personal information to others for an additional profit at your expense.

When you are presenting information to a potential lender, assume that they will find out any “little secret” that you might know about the property. Do not try to hide information about the title, tax liens or any issues that could become a problem in the future. A lender is going to fully investigate the property and will not look kindly on any borrower who has attempted to be dishonest or take advantage of them.

Know the Current Rates

Not all lenders are dishonest just like not all used car dealers are dishonest. But that are a few in every crowd. So be sure that you have polled several lenders and are well aware of the current rates and terms for hard money loans Arizona. This will let you know immediately if a lender is trying to take advantage of you and you can cease the relationship immediately.

As for A Detailed Fee Breakdown

In the end, all you are really shopping for is the loan with the best overall cost to you. So it only makes sense to clearly ask for a list of all of the fees and costs that you will be paying for the use of the lenders money. Having this clear list of the total cost will allow you to easily compare all of your offers without having to sort through various terms and jargon that can be a part of a loan document.

Using these few tips will help you to more easily determine which hard money loan is the least expensive and will allow you to get the best return on your investment.

Spotting a Business Loan Beware of Hidden Fees in Hard Money Loans ArizonaThat Is Too Good To Be True

Certain fees are to be expected when you borrow money. But there can be hidden fees that you will not learn about until the closing unless you are very thorough in reviewing your hard money loans Arizona documentation.

There is always a cost associated with borrowing money. And legitimate lenders will clearly explain the cost prior to the closing date. They don’t want to invest the time and effort in drawing up the documents only to have the borrower refuse to sign on closing day. But the less than reputable lenders will bury these fees deep in the documentation in hopes that the borrower never discovers them until after signing the loan documents.

Points are not considered a junk fee but are more the cost of creating the documents for hard money loans Arizona. But there are other fees such as document preparation fees, underwriting fees and clerical fees which do fall into the junk fee category. The best way to avoid paying any of these fees to to request a written list of all of the fees associated with the hard money loan. In addition verify which fees will be due at the closing. This will let you know exactly how much you will need to pay in addition to the down payment on the property.

Upfront Fee Scams

In addition to hidden fees that can get added into the loan documentation, there is a scam that includes upfront fees. In this situation, the lender explains that they require an application fee or they sometimes refer to it as an administrative fee to process your application. In essence, they are requiring you to pay them before they decide if they will fund your loan or not. In some cases they say that the fee will be applied to your points once the loan application is approved. But this is all a scam. They are not going to approve your loan application. They never approve any applications. This is just a way to collect fees from unsuspecting borrowers. When you try to call or email the lender, you never get a response and your application fee is long gone. You should never be asked to pay fees before you can apply for hard money loans Arizona.

Get a Second Opinion

No legitimate hard money lender would ever be offended if you ask for a copy of the loan documents so that you can have them reviewed by your accountant and lawyer. Hard money loans Arizona are not as tightly regulated as traditional loans so the legal documents can be very confusing to the average borrower. So it is a very wise choice to ask for a full list of all of the loan fees and a copy of the loan documents to have reviewed by a professional. A hard money loan is a serious investment and you should take every precaution to protect your financial interests. A lending professional will not be offended and will often be impressed with your candor for explaining what you are doing and why.

 

Dennis Dahlberg
Broker/RI/CEO/MLO
Level 4 Funding LLC  Private Hard Money Lender
Arizona Office:  (623) 582-4444
dennis@level4funding.com NMLS 1057378 | AZMB 0923961 | MLO 1057378
22601 N 19th Ave Suite 112 | Phoenix | AZ | 85027

3 Requirements to Succeed Using Hard Money Loans Arizona

Understanding these three basic requirements of hard money loans Arizona will help to ensure that you can secure your loan. In addition, these tips will greatly improve your potential of success.

Real estate investors who are not familiar with hard money loans Arizona often have many questions about the process and how to best use a hard money loan to its fullest potential. The first question is always about the collateral required to secure a hard money loan. Borrowers want to know how much they can borrow and how that number is determined. All of this financial information is a huge part of the first requirement of hard money loans Arizona. Having a sufficient down payment is critical to securing a hard money loan. Lenders are only going to offer between 65% and 75% of the purchase price of the property. The borrower is required to provide the remaining 25% to 35% in the form of a down payment. This assures the lender that the property will almost always remain more valuable than the outstanding balance of the loan.

In addition to the cash to purchase the property, the lender is going to want verification that the borrower has the cash reserves necessary to pay the costs associated with owning the property such as the monthly payments, the taxes and insurance. If the property is in need of repairs or renovations, the lender might also want to see that the borrower has the means to make the needed repairs to protect the property value.

Be Prepared with a Detailed Plan

Real estate experience is also an important consideration prior to funding hard money loans Arizona. The lender is going to need to understand the borrower’s previous experience in real estate investing to know that they are a good investment. This experience can be demonstrated through past successful investments as well as a clear and detailed plan for the current project. Items such as a detailed timeline, tasks to be completed, comparable property pricing in the area and a plan for marketing and selling the completed property will all show the lender that this project has a great potential for success due to the experience and professional management of the borrower.

Professionalism=Success

As with any business deal, professionalism is going to be critical to the final success of the project. Not having a clearly defined plan and the money to act on the plan is a sure sign that the project is doomed even before it gets started. But having a plan and a detailed process outlined to achieve the goals will show potential lenders that you are experienced and well prepared to start and successfully finish this project. Not only will this preparation go a long way in helping you secure the hard money loan but it will also help to make the project run more smoothly and remain on budget and on time. The effort you invest before the project begins is equally as critical to its success as any time and effort you invest during the project.

How to Make Getting Hard Money Business Loans Quick and Easy

When it comes to getting approved to hard money business loans, it can be an arduous process. But Level 4 Funding offers simple “ABCs” to help you become eligible for loans and get approved fast!

When you decide you want to get hard money business loans for your company, there is a lot you can do to prepare before you ever even meet with a lender. For example, as with most anything, research can begin on the Internet. Do some digging about the types of loans available to business owners like yourself in your same industry and specific to you needs (for example, are you looking to purchase equipment or a building? – there are specific loans designed for each of those needs).

Once you’ve done some initial research about the types of loans out there, do your due diligence on lenders. While there online marketplaces that make getting a loan without ever leaving the comfort of your coach very doable, it’s also important to make sure you have the proper expertise and guidance — especially if you are first-time borrower. That comes from working with a professional lender.

Look for lenders that are local, have experience with loans in your specific industry and who can share their portfolio with you. Getting a good feel for your lender and moving forward on the same page makes the process of applying for hard money business loans much quicker and easier.

When you have made the decision on a lender, you can then decide if you need a short-term or long-term loan.

There are so many different ways to go about obtaining the loan as well as the kind of loan. Once you begin the application, you and your lender can work together on fine-tuning the right terms for your loans.

Once you submit your application, there are some evaluations that take place.

While with conventional banks and long-term loans, the process is much longer, requires a more complex application and proof of multiple forms of documentation, financials, credit reports and so on short-term loans with an alternative lender move much more quickly. The application process and fairly straightforward and the lender is mainly interested in collateral — and not much else. So if you want to move the process along, be prepare to prove what you can provide as collateral to secure the loan. It can even be the equipment or property that you intend to purchase with the loans. It’s a good idea to obtain legal advice when it comes to reviewing the term agreements. Be sure to take your time with all the documents that will require your John Hancock. These terms are binding with that signature. This is also a good time to review the entire contract with a fine-tooth comb to ensure that you haven’t missed any clauses about additional charges, fees or even pre-payment penalties. When you are ready to find a loan that’s right for you, call us at Level 4 Funding today.

Dennis Dahlberg
Broker/RI/CEO/MLO
Level 4 Funding LLC  Private Hard Money Lender
Arizona Tel:  (623) 582-4444
Dennis@level4funding.com NMLS 1057378 | AZMB 0923961 | MLO 1057378
22601 N 19th Ave Suite 112 | Phoenix | AZ | 85027
111 Congress Ave |Austin | Texas | 78701

Try These Tactics if You Want to Get Your Hard Money Business Loans to Close Quickly

There is nothing like the painstaking process of waiting to see if your loan application has been approved by a conventional lender. Instead of playing the waiting game, Level 4 Funding offers ways to get your hard money business loans to close and fast!

Traditional loan applications are known for being super-complicated to complete, and then the process for the bank or lender to approve can be an even longer, more complicated process! When you’re in need of a loan, time of often of the essence, which is why hard money business loans are the way to go if you need cash in hand and you need it… like yesterday! There are some things you can do to ensure the process goes even quick and more smoothly, even with a short-term loan application which are known to be less cumbersome than conventional loan applications.

For example, being prepared can help get the process off on the right foot. Be prepared to put up some collateral. That is typically one of the most important things you can do to ensure your hard money business loans get approved, and fast! If you are prepared to show that you have the value of the loan (or more) in personal assets (such as a home or car) or you can use the property or business that you are intending to use the loan for as the collateral, that is usually a sure-fire way to ensure a quick process, too. While you likely won’t need to have you credit report, score or a lot of financial statements, it’s a good idea to have those items in order, just in case that documentation becomes needed for the application process.

Working together with your lender to get your hard money business loans approved is another way to ensure a quick turnaround. Remember that although the process can seem daunting, unfamiliar or even a little intimidating, your lender is on your side and there to help you get the loan you need. So work together to get all you ducks in a row or provide the proper documentation he asks for to move the process along. If you are helpful and make the process easy for him, he’ll want to make the process as easy and successful for you, too.

Find a reputable lender

It’s also a good idea to take some time to research some lenders to ensure that you are starting the process of right – with the right lender. You would hate to get down the line with an untrustworthy lender only to have to scratch the process before the loan is approved and start fresh with another lender. Work smarter, not harder! Find the right lender, and the right loan will follow.

Finally, call Level 4 Funding!

Level 4 Funding offers the professional, experienced lenders that will help make the loan process quick and easy. We know that time is crucial when waiting for a loan approval and we do our best to ensure a smooth and simple process!

Dennis Dahlberg
Broker/RI/CEO/MLO
Level 4 Funding LLC  Private Hard Money Lender
Arizona Tel:  (623) 582-4444
Dennis@level4funding.com NMLS 1057378 | AZMB 0923961 | MLO 1057378
22601 N 19th Ave Suite 112 | Phoenix | AZ | 85027
111 Congress Ave |Austin | Texas | 78701

How to Understand Hard Money Loans

If you learn about the process of hard money loans, you can figure out how to get the best loan to suit your business needs. Level 4 Funding shows you how.

When it comes to learning about hard money loans, it helps to start at the very beginning, with what they actually are. These are unconventional loans that are not reliant on banks or traditional lending institutions for funding. Private sources fund these types of loans, whether it be an individual or a group that helps assist with the funding. Most often, these loans have a short repayment term cycle and are typically used by the borrower to purchase investment properties.

The qualification process for hard money loans it totally different than applying and approval for a traditional loan. In the latter, a borrower needs to complete and submit an application process to the bank or other conventional lender. The process is often very detailed and lots of documentation is required of the borrower. The borrower must also share credit score and history, and provide details about their financial status in order to be considered for the loan.

For unconventional loans, the process is based upon collateral, and the current market value of whatever collateral the borrower is able to provide. Collateral is the value the borrow puts up as a way to offer the lender security of the loan. This could be a car, the person’s home, another building or event the building/property that is being purchased, for example. The lender requires this as security that if for some reason the borrower can’t make payments, than the lender takes over the collateral and can sell it to recover their funds. In this type of loan, the funding individual or group is less interested in the borrower’s credit score or even their currently financial situation. It’s all about collateral.

This is important for borrowers that have less than ideal credit scores or have a ding in the credit history somewhere along the line that makes it difficult for them to obtain a conventional loan. The value of the collateral or the property in mind to purchase needs to have value equal (or likely higher) than the amount that is being requested to borrow. This gives people breaking into the world of investment property purchases a good place to start.

Now that you know…

This is a huge benefit of hard money loans that people don’t often realize at first. While conventional lenders can often be intimidating and the loan applications very challenging, the process of this type of loan is very straightforward. Investment properties, fix-and-flip homes and other property purchases are all great for this type of loan. It offers the cash upfront (and fast!) to make the purchase happen. Then it’s up to the borrower to take their investment purchase to the next level in order to profit to the maximum.

Working with this type of loan has great potential

For those without stellar credit or even those that are just starting to establish their business credit scores, these loans are the way to go. A private lender such as Level 4 Funding can help beginner investors with a short-term loan to build their investor career.

Dennis Dahlberg
Broker/RI/CEO/MLO
Level 4 Funding LLC  Private Hard Money Lender
Arizona Tel:  (623) 582-4444
Dennis@level4funding.com NMLS 1057378 | AZMB 0923961 | MLO 1057378
22601 N 19th Ave Suite 112 | Phoenix | AZ | 85027
111 Congress Ave |Austin | Texas | 78701

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.

Dennis Dahlberg
Broker/RI/CEO/MLO
Level 4 Funding LLC  Private Hard Money Lender
Arizona Tel:  (623) 582-4444
Dennis@level4funding.com NMLS 1057378 | AZMB 0923961 | MLO 1057378
22601 N 19th Ave Suite 112 | Phoenix | AZ | 85027
111 Congress Ave |Austin | Texas | 78701

What is Hard Money?

Are you having trouble securing a loan? You may want to consider a hard money lender. Hard money loans are often provided by individuals or a group of investors that use property or other assets as collateral.

If you need the loan quickly, and you have been turned down by traditional loan companies, a hard money loan may be a good choice. These loans are mostly based on collateral and not with your ability to pay or credit rating. If you default on the loan, then they take the asset and sell it to recoup the principal and interest of the loan. These lenders are not, however, in the business of selling defaulted property. They are in the business of making money by providing loans and, to that end, want you to succeed in your endeavor.

These loans are short-term in nature, one to five years, with a balloon payment at the end. Many, however, will offer extended terms if needed. There are many advantages to a hard money loan. Here are just a few: Speed--Since hard money lenders are more concerned with collateral then your financial condition, you will not be required to hand-over the mounds of paper work that traditional lenders are bound by. Flexibility-- Traditional lenders are very strict with their repayment terms while a hard money lender may be able to adjust the loan to fit your situation. Approval--The hard money lender is more concerned about the value of the collateral. Because of this, an investment property may give you a higher loan than a rehab.

Loan-to-Value Ratio

If you have been turned down by other lenders because of negative information on your credit report, don’t give up. These types of lenders can often find a way to work with you despite your credit challenges. Some offer loan-to-value ratios in the range of 75 percent. At Level 4 Funding, we offer LVRs as high as 90 percent.

Hard money loans make sense if you are fix-and-flip investor and will sell the property in a year.

A hard money loan can be perfect for this investment strategy because of it’s short-terms and quick-to-funding model. You will want to have your numbers perfected in order to make sure that you can sustain yourself and your project through the rehab. Don’t forget the cost of essentials such as utilities, taxes, and time to sale. Some lenders will evaluate the loan based on the after-repair value. This, however, adds risk to the lender and for that reason will carry a higher interest rate. In most cases, hard money loan can be funded within one week compared to 35 to 45 days for a conventional loan. The application can get approved in a day as compared to collecting retirement before you hear from a traditional lender.

Before you proceed, you will need the advice of good loan company that can guide you through the loan process. Contact Level 4 Funding to secure the guidance you need to help you succeed with the project you have in mine, and the many more to come.

Dennis Dahlberg
Broker/RI/CEO/MLO
Level 4 Funding LLC  Private Hard Money Lender
Arizona Tel:  (623) 582-4444
Dennis@level4funding.com NMLS 1057378 | AZMB 0923961 | MLO 1057378
22601 N 19th Ave Suite 112 | Phoenix | AZ | 85027
111 Congress Ave |Austin | Texas | 78701

Alternative Business Loans Arizona Entrepreneurs Best Option

Exploring alternative business loans, Arizona start up and small business owners could be surprised by their options. There are many reasons that an alternative loan could be your best choice.

Traditionally, when a business owner needs money to fund a startup or to grow a fledgling business, the first stop is their local bank. But there can be many hurdles to overcome when seeking a loan from a traditional lender. Alternative lenders provide business loans Arizona small business owners actually have a chance of securing and that is just one of the many benefits that they offer.

There are two main benefits to working with an alternative lender. The first is that the approval rates are much higher than a traditional lenders and the second is the fast approval and funding time frame. As an independent entity, there is not the mile of red tape to slog through with most alternative resources so borrowers enjoy a much better customer service experience for the most part and a higher success rate.

When alternative lenders offer business loans, Arizona borrowers will discover that the lenders tend to be more flexible on terms as well as qualifications for the loans. Alternative loans are therefore a good option for a business looking to finance inventory or for working capital which is not something that banks will approve. In addition, the alternative lender is not as likely to require that the business owner use personal assets as collateral for the loan. Which offers the borrowers more confidence in the lender and personal security as well.

Personal Credit is Not an Issue

Poor personal credit is often a factor that will derail business loans Arizona business owners are seeking. Banks are not willing to process a business loan without a deep dive into the personal financial status of the company owners and even some of the other major officers of the company. That is not an issue for alternative lenders as they are primarily interested in the merits of the business and not the owner’s personal finances.

Time is On Your Side

Anyone who has applied for any type of loan from a bank knows that the process can be long and arduous. A personal mortgage loan can take weeks to process. But a business loan application can actually drag out for more than three months. By the time a bank is willing to fund a business loan, the need for the money could be gone, the opportunity could be lost and the business could even be floundering. Business deals are often time sensitive, but traditional lenders tend to overlook that fact. Great opportunities to grow a business don’t appear every day, so business owners need to be prepared to act when the opportunity arises. Securing a loan from an alternative lender is a great way for an Arizona business owner to maximize an opportunity to expand, diversify or land a huge client that might otherwise have gotten away.

Dennis Dahlberg
Broker/RI/CEO/MLO
Level 4 Funding LLC  Private Hard Money Lender
Arizona Tel:  (623) 582-4444
Texas Tel:      (512) 516-1177
Dennis@level4funding.com NMLS 1057378 | AZMB 0923961 | MLO 1057378
22601 N 19th Ave Suite 112 | Phoenix | AZ | 85027
111 Congress Ave |Austin | Texas | 78701

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

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.

Dennis Dahlberg
Broker/RI/CEO/MLO
Level 4 Funding LLC  Private Hard Money Lender
Arizona Tel:  (623) 582-4444
Dennis@level4funding.com NMLS 1057378 | AZMB 0923961 | MLO 1057378
22601 N 19th Ave Suite 112 | Phoenix | AZ | 85027
111 Congress Ave |Austin | Texas | 78701

Learn How to Select Hard Money Lenders

For many borrowers working with hard money lenders is a new concept. Borrowers are not familiar with the process or how to select a good lender.

Many borrowers are facing the challenge of less than perfect credit or a low credit score. And sadly, these people are under the assumption that they have not alternative to traditional lenders and banks. They are unaware of the service which is provided by hard money lenders. Though these loans are called non-traditional, they are still a very viable option for anyone who is unable to qualify for a traditional loan. But it is critical that a borrower learn how to select a good private lender to work with.

The first step might sound overly simplified but it is valid. Select a firm or individual who specializes in lending hard money. This ensures that you are working with a knowledgeable lender and one who can offer you terms which will fully meet your needs. You can learn a great deal about a lender by reading comments from other borrowers and investigating the lenders reputation. Any reputable lender will do what is best for his or her clients.

If you are new to private lending, it will also be helpful to limit your search to local resources. Working in-person will allow you to ask questions and establish a good working relationship with the lender as you learn the processes and intricacies of hard money. In addition, it will be much easier for you to check out the licensing information for local hard money lenders. This is an important step that should never be overlooked even if the firm is large and appears to be well known.

Seek Openness

As with any business, there will be certain privileged or proprietary information that the lender might not be willing to share with you. But all parties should have access to the loan information during the origination process. Be sure that your lender is willing to provide this transparency and that you are not getting a higher rate than originally promised. As you invest more time in speaking to the lender, you should not feel like some questions are being skirted or that there are aspects of the loan process the lender is not willing to discuss fully and openly.

Due Diligence Pay Dividends

Learning any new process takes time and effort. And working with hard money lenders is no different. You need to be willing to invest your time in learning the process as well as getting to know the lenders. Working with local lenders allows for a shorter learning curve and also gives you more peace of mind as you have been able to actually meet the lender and their staff. As you progress into more loans, seeking national lenders is a viable option to increase your opportunities and to locate more diverse loan options and offers. Be certain to carefully evaluate all of the lenders and all of the loan offers that you receive. Look for a lender who you feel comfortable working with and find very trustworthy.

Dennis Dahlberg
Broker/RI/CEO/MLO
Level 4 Funding LLC  Private Hard Money Lender
Arizona Tel:  (623) 582-4444
Texas Tel:      (512) 516-1177
Dennis@level4funding.com NMLS 1057378 | AZMB 0923961 | MLO 1057378
22601 N 19th Ave Suite 112 | Phoenix | AZ | 85027
111 Congress Ave |Austin | Texas | 78701

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

Learn How to Select Hard Money Lenders

For many borrowers working with hard money lenders is a new concept. Borrowers are not familiar with the process or how to select a good lender.

Many borrowers are facing the challenge of less than perfect credit or a low credit score. And sadly, these people are under the assumption that they have not alternative to traditional lenders and banks. They are unaware of the service which is provided by hard money lenders. Though these loans are called non-traditional, they are still a very viable option for anyone who is unable to qualify for a traditional loan. But it is critical that a borrower learn how to select a good private lender to work with.

The first step might sound overly simplified but it is valid. Select a firm or individual who specializes in lending hard money. This ensures that you are working with a knowledgeable lender and one who can offer you terms which will fully meet your needs. You can learn a great deal about a lender by reading comments from other borrowers and investigating the lenders reputation. Any reputable lender will do what is best for his or her clients.

If you are new to private lending, it will also be helpful to limit your search to local resources. Working in-person will allow you to ask questions and establish a good working relationship with the lender as you learn the processes and intricacies of hard money. In addition, it will be much easier for you to check out the licensing information for local hard money lenders. This is an important step that should never be overlooked even if the firm is large and appears to be well known.

Seek Openness

As with any business, there will be certain privileged or proprietary information that the lender might not be willing to share with you. But all parties should have access to the loan information during the origination process. Be sure that your lender is willing to provide this transparency and that you are not getting a higher rate than originally promised. As you invest more time in speaking to the lender, you should not feel like some questions are being skirted or that there are aspects of the loan process the lender is not willing to discuss fully and openly.

Due Diligence Pay Dividends

Learning any new process takes time and effort. And working with hard money lenders is no different. You need to be willing to invest your time in learning the process as well as getting to know the lenders. Working with local lenders allows for a shorter learning curve and also gives you more peace of mind as you have been able to actually meet the lender and their staff. As you progress into more loans, seeking national lenders is a viable option to increase your opportunities and to locate more diverse loan options and offers. Be certain to carefully evaluate all of the lenders and all of the loan offers that you receive. Look for a lender who you feel comfortable working with and find very trustworthy.

Dennis Dahlberg
Broker/RI/CEO/MLO
Level 4 Funding LLC  Private Hard Money Lender
Arizona Tel:  (623) 582-4444
Texas Tel:      (512) 516-1177
Dennis@level4funding.com NMLS 1057378 | AZMB 0923961 | MLO 1057378
22601 N 19th Ave Suite 112 | Phoenix | AZ | 85027
111 Congress Ave |Austin | Texas | 78701

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

OCC Study reveals risks from Commercial loans

The OCC warns in its semi-annual risk report that relaxed underwriting standards may be putting some commercial loans at risk of default. Should you be worried?

The report warns that specific influences on the credit market may be causing some banks to lower borrower standards. "The credit market continues to be influenced by strong competition, particularly from non - bank lenders, and heightened asset valuations," the report claims. In effect, strong competition for new loans may be pressuring some banks to lower standards on borrowers.

The report also warns that the recent economic boom may be making some lenders complacent and that lenders may need to take greater caution in case of an economic downturn. "In addition, the long economic recovery and expansion may collectively increase lender complacency. In this environment, lenders need to focus on maintaining sound credit standards within risk tolerances and understanding the potential credit risks that may be exposed under less benign economic conditions."

The report claims banks need to be cautious and may need to diversify their lending activities. The authors of the report, the National Risk Coalition, cite commercial mortgage growth as a specific area of concern. The NRC claims,"increasing concentrations of commercial real estate (CCRE)loans highlight the need for sound risk management processes and the effectiveness in managing concentration risk for some banks."

In spite of the dangers key commercial loan metrics remain are strong

The report claims that key metrics of commercial credit quality such as delinquencies, nonperforming loans, and net charge-offs remain positive. These key measures improved over the second half of last year and remain elevated above historical averages. Commercial credit quality is stronger than any time since the 1980s according to the statistics. New business loans have moderated from the 25% growth levels seen in recent years but remain above GDP according to the report. Non-depository groups such as investment firms and finance companies receive the majority of these new loans.

Smaller banks may be relaxing underwriting standards to fuel commercial loan growth, which could be a dangerous trend should an economic slowdown occur

Assessments by OCC evaluators reveal a gradual easing of borrower standards at many banks. Since the first quarter of 2016, the majority of banks have relaxed lending standards, rather than tightening them. The trend reflects a gradual easing of underwriting standards which began in 2013, as the economy started to recover from the recession. Even though banks are relaxing their standards, the report concludes that the majority of banks are still lending within their risk tolerances and are maintaining relatively safe underwriting practices.

However, there remains a concern that the growth in commercial mortgages may be putting some lenders at risk. Specifically smaller banks with less than a 1 billion dollars or less in assets. While business lending declined overall last year, the majority of new business loans originated from these smaller banks. Data indicates that these groups are supplementing a declining volume of residential mortgages with commercial mortgages. This narrow and specific focus on commercial mortgages may put these smaller financial institutions at risk if economic conditions change and more borrowers default.

However, the report also claims underwriting standards remain reasonable, credit quality is high, and that the economy is strong. Whether banks will heed the conclusions of the report remains to be seen.

Dennis Dahlberg
Broker/RI/CEO/MLO
Level 4 Funding LLC  Private Hard Money Lender
Arizona Tel:  (623) 582-4444
Texas Tel:      (512) 516-1177
Dennis@level4funding.com NMLS 1057378 | AZMB 0923961 | MLO 1057378
22601 N 19th Ave Suite 112 | Phoenix | AZ | 85027
111 Congress Ave |Austin | Texas | 78701

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

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.

Dennis Dahlberg
Broker/RI/CEO/MLO
Level 4 Funding LLC  Private Hard Money Lender
Arizona Tel:  (623) 582-4444
Texas Tel:      (512) 516-1177
Dennis@level4funding.com NMLS 1057378 | AZMB 0923961 | MLO 1057378
22601 N 19th Ave Suite 112 | Phoenix | AZ | 85027
111 Congress Ave |Austin | Texas | 78701

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

Tactics for refinancing your commercial loan

When it comes to refinancing commercial loans, you naturally want to qualify for the largest loan with the best terms. Learn some strategies to help you refinance your commercial mortgage

Once your commercial mortgage matures, why should you refinance, rather than selling the property? Refinancing can improve your monthly cash flow and if your property has appreciated in value, refinancing will enable you to pull out additional equity tax-free.

There are some significant differences when comes to refinancing commercial real estate. A Residential mortgage is usually fully amortized and can have terms of up to 30 years. Commercial mortgages have shorter lifespans of 5 to 10 years, and commercial borrowers typically need to refinance their mortgages on a regular basis. But The biggest difference between commercial and residential refinancing is the impact of net operating income on commercial property values.

Improve the income you receive from commercial property to improve the terms of your commercial loan

Net operating income has a considerable impact on commercial real estate values.

The value of commercial property increases if it can generate more income, regardless of property values in the immediate area.

Before refinancing the best strategy is to increase the amount of income your property generates. By maximizing the profit you receive from a property, you increase its value and can refinance to a larger mortgage with better terms. Some strategies to maximize cash flow could include improving the number or quality of your tenants or using renovations to raise rents.

Other things to consider when it comes refinancing you commercial loan

Always seek counsel about your strategy and your specific situation, but the following tactics should help you get the best loan at the best terms.

Use refinancing as a way to reposition your investment strategy or even expand your portfolio. The additional funds you get from refinancing can be used to repay your initial loan, any initial investors, or could be used to improve the property itself. Better yet you can use the additional funds from refinancing to purchase another piece of commercial property. Therefore refinancing can be used as a strategy to expand your investment portfolio and earn more money on a monthly basis.

Refinancing in all cases should improve your monthly cash flow. Refinancing to a loan with higher monthly payments and less favorable terms is of course not a good idea. Refinancing should entail lower monthly payments or should allow you to cash out any additional equity from your investment property.

Strategize to qualify for the best loan with the best terms. Know when your current loan matures and invest in the property accordingly. Over the duration of your loan ensure the condition of your property does not deteriorate. Better yet take consistent steps to improve your property over the term of your mortgage.

You should also aim for full occupancy before refinancing. Most lenders will offer favorable terms on properties with 90 percent occupancy over a period of 90 days. Losing tenants will drastically reduce the income from the property and therefore reduce its value.

In the end, the crux of refinancing a commercial loan is to optimize the profits a property can generate which will enable you to refinance at the best terms.

Dennis Dahlberg
Broker/RI/CEO/MLO
Level 4 Funding LLC  Private Hard Money Lender
Arizona Tel:  (623) 582-4444
Texas Tel:      (512) 516-1177
Dennis@level4funding.com NMLS 1057378 | AZMB 0923961 | MLO 1057378
22601 N 19th Ave Suite 112 | Phoenix | AZ | 85027
111 Congress Ave |Austin | Texas | 78701

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