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.

Spotting a Business Loan Arizona That Is Too Good To Be True

Spotting a Business Loan Arizona That Is Too Good To Be True

(Looking for a great deal on a business loan Arizona is smart. But you need to be able to determine which offers are legitimate and which are actually a scam.)

When you are searching for a business loan Arizona, it can be difficult to tell which lenders are legitimate and which are actually running a scam just to collect fees from unsuspecting potential borrowers. But completing your due diligence will reveal some information that will give you a good indication of which firms are legitimate and which are scams. There are some legitimate lenders who do request a processing fee when you submit your request. So that is not always a sure sign of a scam but there are a few dead giveaways.

When researching lenders to submit loan applications to, it is wise to always eliminate any that are outside the United States. This will greatly help to reduce the number of shady or fake lenders that you will be speaking to. Any lender who is outside the country is not going to be forced to follow any U.S. laws and that greatly increases the potential for you to become a victim of a scam or to have your personal information and identity stolen. In addition, if you are working with a firm who claims to be in the United States and then in fact is not, stop all transactions. A business who is hiding their location is more than likely not legitimate.

If you are told that there are no qualifications to be met for business loan Arizona approval, you are likely dealing with a fake company. These “firms” are likely to say that they charge a somewhat substantial fee for the loan request to be processed but then the fees are applied to your loan points. And that it is just a formality because there are no criteria that you must meet to get approved. These are all lies to get you to pay the fee. Once you pay then the lender never calls you again and will not return your calls or emails.

Don’t Be Fooled By an Office

Even if the company has a nice office in a respectable neighborhood there is no guarantee that they are legitimate. In most cases the office is in another state or city and all that you are seeing are pictures on a website. Not only is the office likely to belong to someone else but the entire business could be nothing more than a person who is running a website and collecting application information to sell as well as bilking borrowers out of application fees.

There Is No Free Loan

You are never going to find a legitimate business loan Arizona that is offered without any fees or interest. Lenders are in business to make money just as you are. So always look very closely at the entire contract and all of the fee and payment structure of any loan that appears to be too good to be true.

 

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

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.

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

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

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

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

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

Give credit to the lender that thinks outside the box.

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

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

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

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

Why it’s Important to Find a Flexible Lender When Commercial Real Estate Loan Rates are High

When you need a loan, finding a flexible lender that is able to negotiate for your best interest, even when commercial real estate loan rates are up, can help you get the best value for your money. Level 4 Funding shares why this is important.

Obtaining a loan can be tricky business. In fact, over half of loans that are submitted are typically denied. While this can seem very daunting for someone who is trying to obtain a loan, it’s crucial to remember that there are many options out there when seeking a loan. Conventional loans are very difficult to receive approval for, but there is hope in knowing that non-traditional lenders are there to say “yes” when banks have already said “no.” Even if you have less-than-desirable credit, you are a first time investment purchaser or current times mean high commercial real estate loan rates, you can still get approved.

Traditional banks are very rigid when it comes to approving loans. There is a lot of bureaucracy and red tape that must be dealt with conventional lenders — and they are rarely very flexible. That’s why hard money lenders are a good option. They can be a lot more flexible because rather than focusing on credit score, your business plan or other criteria, they are more interested in the assets of your business or the property you are purchasing which can serve as collateral. You will need to ensure them you have the collateral to put up and perhaps provide a brief outline for the business or property you plan to purchase.

While these lenders deal in short-term loans which typically have high commercial real estate loan rates, if you find a reputable lender who truly believes in your business plan or is flexible enough to negotiate better rates for your loan. However, because short-term loans typically have a repayment schedule that ranges between three months and three years, naturally the commercial real estate loan rates are going to be higher than a traditional long-term loan that allows for many years for repayment. Sometimes the commercial real estate loan rates associated with a short-term loan are simply higher because the lender is making a high risk by approving a loan that would typically (or already has been) declined by a traditional lender like a bank.

There is one more thing your lender might want you to provide.

Many short-term lenders will want you to provide you “exit strategy” from the loan. For example, would you sell the property? Refinance with a more conventional lender once the business starts earning a profit? It’s important to prove how you will build cash flow so you can ensure the lender you’ll be able to make the repayments on schedule.

It’s also important to find a lender you can trust.

While getting the best rates are crucial, it’s also important to work with a lender that is reputable and you truly believe that they have your best interest in mind when creating the loan agreement. Level 4 Funding can help you get the loan you need (sometimes in as little as 24 hours) with people you can trust.

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 Evaluate a Property for Hard Money Loans

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Tactics to negotiate a better hard money deal

You may be seeking a hard money loan and looking for the lowest possible interest rate, but there may be additional costs you could be unaware of beyond the interest rate. You will be at a disadvantage if you aren't aware of these expenses and don't try to negotiate with your lender.

Some private lenders may earn their profits by charging fees rather than collecting interest payments. In the worst case scenario, an unscrupulous lender could lure in borrowers by advertising a low-interest rate, all the while charging them exorbitant fees. Even if a lender is reputable, borrowers should be aware of any additional expenses when it comes to their loan.

Private asset based lenders are business savvy and approach each loan as a business deal. There is always room to negotiate the terms of any business deal, and the same holds true for your loan.

The most apparent expense on an asset based loan is the point fee, which is a percentage of the loan amount which is paid by the borrower up front. You should do your best to negotiate the point fee because depending on the size of your loan this cost can be considerable.

You as a borrower need to be aware of the cost of your loan in points and any other fees that may apply.

Which fees can you negotiate when it comes to hard money loans?

In the first place, there's the underwriting fee, which is the cost of a lender's due diligence. The cost of underwriting can range from 750 to 2,500 dollars depending on an individual deals complexity. In addition depending on your circumstances the cost of servicing your loan could also be a factor. Loan service fees cover the cost of recording payments and generating reports, and this price can be considerable. A lender may charge a fixed monthly payment or charge a given percentage of the loan amount annually.

In addition, be aware of any late fees, or any potential change in your interest rate if you miss a payment. You will want to keep these fees as low as possible because if you miss a payment due to financial difficulties, higher interest rates and late fees will make it harder to catch up.

The main advantage of asset based lenders over traditional banks is that they are flexible and that their is always room to negotiate the terms of your loan. If you don't try to negotiate these additional fees you may be taking on an unnecessary expense.

Take advantage of the flexibility offered by hard money lenders

Some of the fees mentioned before may or may not apply in your case. But you should try to take advantage of the flexibility offered by private lenders. If you are a borrower with considerable experience and strong collateral on hand, in most cases your private lender will work with you to negotiate any fees.

In short don't look at an attractive interest rate when shopping for a loan. If you want to get the best deal possible, know the fees that are being charged and to do your best to negotiate.

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

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

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

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

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

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

The Sale of Assets

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

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

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

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