How to Make Money Using Hard Money Loans

Hard money loans are not suitable for every borrowers needs but they are perfect to meet some specific needs. Using this loan correctly can be a great way to grow your wealth.

Nothing in this world is perfect and likewise, there is no single type of loan that is perfect for every scenario. But there are several situations which are tailor made for hard money loans. Understanding the correct time to select a non-traditional loan is the first step to using this financial tool to generate financial security for yourself and your family.

In general, hard money loans have a higher interest rate and therefore the money is costing the borrower more than a traditional loan. But for every negative there is also a positive. And in the case of these private loans, the positive comes in several forms. The first of which is that the loan approval is based on the value of the collateral unlike a traditional loan which requires good credit scores and a strong credit history to secure a loan. Not only does this fact reduce the amount of documentation that a borrower needs to provide but it also streamlines the lenders approval time. All the lender needs to do is establish the current market value of the collateral to determine if the loan will be funded or rejected. This time savings can be critical when you are trying to purchase a property before another buyer makes a better offer.

Private lending options offer borrowers a faster turnaround time, less paperwork and do not rely on personal credit or financial stability. All of these facets of private lending make this a very viable solution when considering deals such as fix and flips, land loans or construction loans. In all three of these cases it can be very difficult to secure traditional finding. And without funding, it is impossible to make these deals and reap the rewards once the project is completed. But using a private lender will allow you to complete the funding and the deal to realize the profit in the end.

How and Why It Works

As you might have noticed, all of these potential money makers are short term investments which are time sensitive. It can be very difficult to secure a loan fast enough to purchase a great fixer upper to flip or to purchase unimproved land for a new construction project. Banks are not willing to lend money for these more risky ventures nor are they willing to expedite your request. But a private lender is willing to work with you to provide more flexible terms and a faster approval and funding to allow you to meet the shorter time line. Then, with the property secured, you can invest some time in finding less costly financing and refinance or you can make the necessary improvements and flip the property quickly for a large profit.

Making Private Loans Work for You

Hard money loans are not the solution for every deal or opportunity. But they do offer certain features which can make them the perfect financial tool to use to make money and increase your financial security. When used properly by a borrower who understands the process, the risks and the rewards, this type of loan offers a great return on investment.

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

Shopping for Arizona home Loans with Bad Credit

                Why live in Arizona? First of all, it is the home of one of the world’s wonders, The Grand Canyon. Arizona has the Sonoran hotdog (a local favorite) and does not observe daylight savings

time. Arizona is also a place that is perfect for those who want to live in the Old Wild West. Wine lovers can say goodbye to California for Arizona is said to be the “killer wine country”. Many of the American citizens love to visit Arizona once in a while to experience all their natural gems, like the beautiful red rocks of Sedona. With Arizona's wonderful culture and nature, many have considered moving here. However some willing to buy a house are having problems applying for a loan, because of their bad credit ratings.

                People who have bad credit ratings are those people who did not pay back the money they borrowed in due time or they did not pay back the money loaned at all. They are not automatically given a bad credit rating for missing a payment or being late once or twice. They receive this rating because they continually miss payments for several months. These borrowers should be thankful because of Arizona home Loans with bad credit. In short, they allow people with bad credit ratings to loan a home within the county.

                To increase a borrower's chance of obtaining a mortgage, they should consider shopping for Arizona home Loans with bad credit. Prospective homeowners should also consider the following factors that could help them improve their chance of receiving a loan [despite bad credit ratings].

• Display other assets- if prospective homeowners do not have a large amount of cash or a large down payment, they could opt to show other financial assets. One example is available life insurance. In other words, buyers can apply for a loan by listing the cash value of their own home loan application. Other retirement accounts can count as well, by listing their current values. Using the assets available strategy will show a lender that the buyer is serious about paying off the loan.
• Give emphasis to job stability- Even with bad credit, new buyers can offset it by highlighting the stability of their long-term work situation. They should not forget to mention any raises they have received, the increase in their cost of living for two years and their annual merit pay. They also should include their income raises over the past years of employment.
• Demonstrate discipline- Borrowers need to prove to their lenders that their bad credit is a thing of the past and they have learned how to save. They could try showing discipline and consistency with their monthly savings, including any contributions that would help to obtain a home loan.
• Increase the down payment- In general, the larger the down payment, the faster the home loan approval will be. It has been a problem for borrowers because most of the time they cannot provide enough money for the down payment and closing costs. If they are having a hard time to come up with the money, they could check if there are any payment assist programs or local municipality programs in their city.
• Consider the amount you can afford- because even though there are real estate brokers who will tell you that can afford more house, you should really start with a size you can afford. First, homebuyers should spend some time browsing a home list in their preferred areas and settle with the thought that you can always move to a larger house later. It is still better to own a home you can afford, than be hit with another bad credit rating and possibly lose the house down the road.

These factors can be a great help for individuals who are looking forward to improve their chance of approval for Arizona home Loans withbad credit. Going through the steps to apply for a mortgage loan is worth it if the place you are moving to is Arizona. 

Dennis Dahlberg
Broker/RI/CEO/MLO

Level 4 Funding LLC
Tel:  (623) 582-4444 | Fax: (888) 279-6917
www.Level4Funding.com

NMLS 1057378 | AZMB 0923961 | MLO 1057378
23335 N 18th Drive Suite 120
Phoenix AZ 85027

Real Estate in Arizona - How to buy a house with bad credit

A typical question that most buyers with less than stellar credit ask is: How do I buy a house with bad credit? Now you may be wondering what a sub prime mortgage is and how it may benefit you. 

Quite simply a sub prime mortgage is a loan provided to an individual that is regarded as a high-risk borrower, due to their credit rating. Subprime borrowers who have a credit score of less than 640 are not the norm, however this may vary depending on the lender. Since it is the lender who is assuming this risk, the interest rate for a home loan may also be higher. Some sub prime naysayers complain that the interest on these loans is unfair. However keep in mind that in Arizona how to buy a house with bad credit, there are several types of subprime financing available. In fact, using this kind of financing correctly could turn out to be beneficial.

The most popular type of Arizona subprime mortgage offered in the state is known as an adjustable rate mortgage or ARM. An ARM begins by having a low-cost interest rate that is locked-in for a specified period of time, usually between 1 and 7 years. At the end of the term, the rate adjusts to a higher rate. Adjustable rate mortgages have earned a bad reputation in the mid-2000s for the role in the foreclosure bubble. That being said, it is crucial for you to understand that most of those ARMs were supplied to buyers with a bad credit report who simply overextended themselves. They simply bought more home than they could afford. When the rate reset, they could no longer make their monthly obligations.

Although the rate of ARMs does adjust with time, consider refinancing to a lower fixed rate mortgage or another adjustable rate mortgage. Taking advantages of the reduced interest charges of an ARM could save you thousands on mortgage interest. The money you save in interest can be used to pay off the balance of your loan and consequently allow you to pay significantly less interest.

Utilizing an ARM Arizona how to buy a house with bad credit

For many people, a traditional mortgage actually costs them more money than the actual value of the purchase. It just doesn’t make sense. Let’s be honest, most people do not live in a home for 30 years. In fact the average time frame to live in a house 8 to 10 years. Even if the homeowners decide to stay longer, the majority of people end up refinancing their mortgage at least once. Some homeowners refinance as often as every 2-3 years.

In the long run, traditional mortgages end up costing the buyer significantly more money upfront. This is because these ARMs require the buyer to pay the majority of the loan during the first half of the term. The traditional 30-year loan on the other hand, charges a higher mortgage rate as a kind of insurance for the lender. Your loan provider assumes you will take 30 years to settle the debt. Thirty years is a long time and there is a chance that something could happen that would cause you to default. The loan provider charges you a higher interest rate to make more money in case of default. The adjustable rates are only about 1 to 7 years so they can offer a lower interest rate since the term is shorter and less risky for the lender. These ARMs have lower interest rates than your traditional mortgage, and can save you significant amounts of money. In retrospect, a traditional mortgage can cost you thousands of dollars in premiums over the entire life of the loan. Subprime mortgages should be considered by both prime and sub prime borrowers alike, simply for it’s unique benefits. Below are a few situations when an adjustable rate mortgage might actually make more sense than a traditional mortgage.

1. When you have poor credit you want to restore. ARMs are fantastic tools to help rebuild your credit. Refinancing before the rates adjust during the course of the loan proves to be a good strategy to boost credit and get you in a home faster.
2. In case you plan to sell off your home before the rates reset and rise. This works whenever you plan on living in the home for a short while. Selling before the rates rise can help you avoid having to pay costly premiums.
3. If you are planning to improve the home to later sell it for a profit. In situations where you are not planning for a long-term investment, an ARM can save you money while you are remodeling a home.
4. When you are expect to earn more money in the near future. In this case, if the loan resets, the higher interest rates won’t matter because they will be easier to pay off.
5. If you are expecting to receive an inheritance or lump sum of money. After receiving a windfall, it’s usually easier to pay off any remaining balances of a mortgage. In this situation the ARM serves as an instrument that will keep your monthly payments low as you pay off the mortgage.

While there may be certain risks for adjustable rate mortgages, these pitfalls are often minimized by intelligent investing and research.

A key strategy to remember whenever dealing with these types of loans is to never overextend and to be honest with your budget. An ARM often allows buyers to buy a home that’s greater than one they could afford. Bear in mind that once these rates reset they can always be raised and can price you out of your home, which may lead to foreclosure.  

Speak with a loan specialist at Level 4 Funding to receive the most up-to-date Arizona sub prime mortgage programs. Find out Arizona how to buy a house with bad credit and what makes the most financial sense for you and your household.

Dennis Dahlberg
Broker/RI/CEO/MLO

Level 4 Funding LLC
Tel:  (623) 582-4444 | Fax: (888) 279-6917
www.Level4Funding.com

NMLS 1057378 | AZMB 0923961 | MLO 1057378
23335 N 18th Drive Suite 120
Phoenix AZ 85027

How to Get an Arizona Mortgage with Bad Credit

Sometimes people get into some financial blurs because of some investment or monetary blunders. Because of this, it would sometimes be difficult to get any type of loan or mortgage, especially if you have bad credit. After being turned down by the first financing firm or bank for a housing mortgage in Arizona, you should not give up that easy. But this time you have to strategize for your housing loan to be approved even if you, as a borrower, have bad credit.

Some banks still approve housing loans even when mortgage applicants are considered to be high risk due to a poor credit score. Lenders will give borrowers with bad credit a subprime mortgage. The only minor setback regarding a subprime mortgage is that they may offer a slightly higher interest rates. The subprime mortgages offered in Arizona are more flexible however. These types of subprime mortgages in Arizona are known as Adjustable Rate Mortgages (ARM). These loans can be available to homebuyers starting with a lower interest rate. Additionally there is also a lock-in period ranging from 1 to 7 years. Hence, the interest rate increases after the given term.

Here are some ways on how to get your Arizona mortgage withbad credit approved:

1. Manage your funds and boost your credit rating before applying for an Arizona mortgage with bad credit. Making necessary corrections on your credit reports can do this. Doing this will help improve and rebuild your credit score.
2. It would save you a substantially great amount of money if you consider an Adjustable Rate Mortgage rate. This type of loan will truly be helpful if you plan to sell the property before the interest rate increases, allowing you to save money by not having to pay the fees anymore.
3. Getting a Federal Housing Administration (FHA) approval can also help. The FHA will not lend you the money for the mortgage, but it can provide the lenders a form of insurance to settle all monetary issues in the case of mortgage default. Getting an FHA approval would boost your odds for a mortgage approval.
4. Opting for hiring the services of a mortgage broker is one of the best options for people with bad credit records. Although it is imperative to make certain that the one you are hiring is legitimate and licensed. These brokers could really help you find a lender that could approve your housing loan because they have access to numerous lending resources. Payment of the mortgage will be more convenient because of their awareness about the different low credit programs offered by some lenders.
5. Be able to seek a consistent, well-compensated job to prove to lenders that you have enough funds available to pay the mortgage.
6. If your debts are far higher than your income, this will cause disapproval of your mortgage application. The best thing to do is to pay off all other loans and credit card balances to qualify for an Arizona mortgage with bad credit.
7. Try to look for a reputable co-signer who has a good credit score. This will guarantee the lender that if in case you fail to pay or default your mortgage, the co-signer will be responsible for paying any obligatory fee.

 If you have problems with bad credit, speak to the loans professionals at Level 4 Funding to learn more about getting approved for a mortgage.

Dennis Dahlberg
Broker/RI/CEO/MLO

Level 4 Funding LLC
Tel:  (623) 582-4444 | Fax: (888) 279-6917
www.Level4Funding.com

NMLS 1057378 | AZMB 0923961 | MLO 1057378
23335 N 18th Drive Suite 120
Phoenix AZ 85027

Arizona Mortgages for Bad Credit to Buy a House

                Most of us think that many Americans are settled as to where they are living, but the truth is most of them want to live in Arizona. With a wide range of places to choose from, why would they want to settle in Arizona? They choose Arizona because of the following reasons:

• It has a nice sunny weather for 300 days
• It is very rich with theater productions
• The place has maintained its cleanliness
• There are so many shopping centers, malls, and restaurants to shop and eat from
• And the landscape provides a lot of outdoor activities for the whole family.

Arizona has been everyone’s dream place to build a home. However despite the reasons above, some people could not reach their goal of moving to the sunny state of Arizona because of their bad credit.

Bad credit is a description of a person’s failure to keep up with their credit agreements and their incapacity to be approved for a new credit. They call it bad credit when it happens several times, which is the same with bad credit mortgages. The only difference between types of mortgages, are higher interest rates and charges. People with bad credit are individuals with the following issues:

• Bankruptcy in less than 2 years
• Foreclosure within the last 3 years
• Low credit scores that are below 620

But luckily for those who want to live in Arizona with bad credit, there are some lenders that have the ability to approve an Arizona mortgage for bad credit. This can help borrowers with low credit score loan a home even if their credit is less than perfect.

There are different types of Arizona mortgages for bad credit:

Hard Money Loan

These types of loans are usually offered by groups of investors and not the bank. This can benefit new homeowners who are looking for a short-term purchase. Since the lenders are investors, they are more likely to give loans to borrowers with low credit scores. However, hard money lenders can qualify for a loan amount based on the value of the real estate that is used as collateral. The biggest loan borrowers can expect from their lenders would be 65% to 75% of the property value. For example, if the property were worth $100,000, the lender would probably advance 65% to 70% of the property value. This will provide the lender added security if ever the borrower does not pay and they have to foreclose the property.

FHA Loan

This is another type of Arizona mortgage for bad credit loan where the loan is backed-up by the US Federal Housing Administration mortgage insurance, which is provided by an FHA-approved lender. This allows first-time homebuyers and current homeowners to buy a home with less than a 3.5% down payment. Great news for borrowers without a large amount of cash assets! With the government insuring the loan, borrowers end up paying PMI or Primary Mortgage Insurance, which can range from 80 to a few hundred dollars. Using PMI will slightly increase the borrower’s monthly mortgage payment. However they are only entitled to finish this payment until they have paid off 20% of their home loan.

Subprime loans

This loan is given to borrowers who are having a hard time maintaining their payment schedules due to unemployment, divorce or medical emergencies. This loan is characterized by the following: poor quality collateral, higher interest rates and with less-favorable terms to pay off higher credit risks.

                So, what are you waiting for? Arizona is just a loan away from you and your family. With all the types of Arizona mortgage for bad credit listed above, you can choose the right one for your individual needs. Even with a bad credit, your dream of having a home can come true.

Dennis Dahlberg
Broker/RI/CEO/MLO

Level 4 Funding LLC
Tel:  (623) 582-4444 | Fax: (888) 279-6917
www.Level4Funding.com

NMLS 1057378 | AZMB 0923961 | MLO 1057378
23335 N 18th Drive Suite 120
Phoenix AZ 85027

Sub Prime Mortgage Arizona for Regular Borrowers

A sub prime mortgage Arizona is typically designed for borrowers who have bad credit to purchase Arizona real estate.However, there are certain situations where prime borrowers can benefit from asub prime loan. Knowing the types of loans available can help you make aninformed mortgage decision.

A subprime mortgage is a loan given to a borrower who is considered to be a higher risk due to a poor credit score. Typically a subprime borrower has a credit score of less than 640, but this does vary. Since the lender is assuming a higher risk, the interest rate is also generally higher. Critics of subprime lending argue that it charges unfair interest rates and further burdens individuals with low incomes and high amounts of debt. However, if used correctly a sub prime mortgage, Arizona can benefit all Arizona home buyers, even those with good credit. There are several types of subprime mortgages available and each type has different advantages and risks. 

  

The most common type of Arizona subprime mortgage offered in the state is an adjustable rate mortgage or ARM. An ARM starts out with a low interest rate that is locked in for a specified period of time, usually between 1 and 7 years. At the end of the term, the rate adjusts to a higher rate. ARMs earned a bad reputation in the mid-2000s for contributing to the foreclosure crisis. However, it is important to note that many of these ARMs were given to buyers with bad credit who overextended themselves by buying homes that were more expensive than they could afford. When the rate reset they could no long make their monthly payments.

Although the rate of ARMs does adjust with time, you can always refinance to either a lower fixed rate mortgage or even another adjustable rate mortgage. Taking advantage of the lower interest rates of an ARM could save you thousands on mortgage interest, giving you more money to pay off the balance of your loan. As a result, you can pay off your home sooner and pay significantly less interest.

Using an ARM to your Advantage

For many people, a traditional mortgage actually costs them money and simply does not make sense. Most people do not live in a home for 30 years, in fact the average time frame is 8 to 10 years. Even if they stay for longer, most people end up refinancing their mortgage at least once and some people refinance every 2 to 3 years. This ends up costing a significant amount in interest because in traditional home loans, you pay the majority of you interest during the first half of the loan term. Also, traditional 30 year loans charge a higher interest rate as a type of insurance for the lender. The lender assumes you will take 30 years to pay off the debt. 30 years is a long time and there is a chance that something could happen that would cause you to default. The lender charges you a higher interest rate to earn more money to keep as a type of insurance against default. The terms on an adjustable rate are only about 1 to 7 years so they can offer a lower interest rate since the term is shorter and less risky for the lender. An adjustable rate mortgage has a much lower interest rate than a traditional mortgage which can save you thousands of dollars over the loan term. Using this type of sub prime mortgage Arizona can save you significant amounts of money and should be considered by both prime and sub prime borrowers alike. Here are a few situations when an adjustable rate mortgage actually makes more sense than a traditional mortgage:

1.       You have bad credit, but you are working on it. An ARM is a fantastic option to help rebuild your credit score. If you know you will be able to qualify to refinance before the rate adjusts, it is a good way to get into a home and start rebuilding your credit score.

2.       You plan to sell your home prior to the rate raise. If you only plan on living in your home for a short period of time, an adjustable rate can save you money. If you sell before the rate raises you will never have to pay the higher interest rate.

3.       You plan to fix up the home and sell it for a profit. If you are not planning a long term investment, an ARM can save you money while you are renovating.

4.       You expect your income to increase. If the loan resets, you will be able to pay the higher interest payments because you will be earning more money.

5.       You expect a windfall. You know you will be able to pay the home off early due to an inheritance. Then the ARM can save you interest while you wait to pay off the home.

There are certain risks for adjustable rate mortgages but these can be minimized by smart investing.

The most important piece of advice regarding ARMs, is to never overextend yourself. An ARM often allows buyers to buy a home that is higher than they could qualify for with a traditional mortgage because the lender looks at the monthly payments. Once the rate resets these can increase and the buyer can actually be priced out of the home they already own. This can lead to default and foreclosure. Talk with a mortgage broker to get the most up to date information about Arizona sub prime mortgage   programs to see what makes the most financial sense for you and your family. 

Dennis Dahlberg
Broker/RI/CEO/MLO

Level 4 Funding LLC
Tel:  (623) 582-4444 | Fax: (888) 279-6917

www.level4funding.com
NMLS 1057378 | AZMB 0923961 | MLO 1057378
23335 N 18th Drive Suite 120
Phoenix AZ 85027

Arizona Subprime Mortgage: Home Loans with Bad Credit

An Arizona subprime mortgage, is one type of home loan that is available to Arizona borrowers with a low FICO score. Learn all the details of subprime lending to determine the right loan for your unique credit situation.

Many potential homeowners with low FICO scores find themselves denied by banks when they try to qualify for a mortgage. Nearly 1 in 4 Americans have a FICO score of less than 640 which is considered to be a subprime credit score. With a subprime score it can be difficult to qualify for a traditional home loan. However, there are other options available for a Arizona subprime mortgage . Certain loan types and programs can help borrowers with low credit scores qualify for a home loan.

One type of loan available to borrower with bad credit is a Arizona subprime mortgage . A subprime loan refers to a loan given to a borrower that represents a greater financial risk due to his/her credit score. A subprime loan is funded by a bank but does not have to meet the same underwriting guidelines as a prime loan. Subprime loans allow access to groups that would normally not have access to the credit market like people with low FICO scores. The most popular type of subprime loan is an adjustable rate mortgage or ARM. In an ARM, the initial interest rate is usually low but then adjusts after a period of time to above the prime rate. The low interest rate is usually locked in for anywhere from 2-5 years and can be as low as 2.5%. After the lock in period, the rate adjusts and can be as high as 10%. An ARM is a good option for borrowers who know they will have the credit to refinance to a traditional loan after the adjustable period or for borrowers who only intend to live in the home for a short period and sell the property before the rate adjusts.

Another loan type that is available for subprime borrowers is a bad credit FHA loan. An FHA loan is backed by the Federal Housing Authority and will allow you to borrow about 96.5% of the value of the home you are purchasing. This means that you won’t have to come up with a large sum of money for a down payment. In addition, the government backing means that you will be more likely to qualify, even with less than perfect credit. This is because the government helps secure the loan for the bank in case of default. One important note is that you will pay monthly insurance on your loan. In additional to you principle and interest payments, you will also pay a PMI insurance payment. This is basically extra money you pay to help insure against default. PMI payments can range from $80 to over $200 each month, depending on the amount of the loan. Make sure that you budget for this amount when calculating your monthly payments. Also, this may decrease the overall amount you can qualify for because it increases your monthly payment amount.

Arizona Subprime Mortgages and Negative Press

Although a subprime mortgage can be a valuable tool in helping secure a home loan, many borrowers shy away from them due to recent negative press. Specifically, in Arizona, many politicians have gone as far as to label subprime mortgages as predatory lending practices. They claim that subprime loans are designed to charge high interest rates for people who cannot afford them.  Proponents of subprime mortgage Arizona programs claim that subprime loans allow individuals access into the home marker who would otherwise be shut out due to credit history.

Despite claims by politicians and loan reform groups, there is little evidence that subprime lending is a predatory practice. Subprime lending is one of the only ways some individuals have access to the home market due to a bad credit score. Knowing the options available and working with a mortgage broker can help you decide if a subprime loan is a sound financial decision for you.

  

A mortgage broker can help you find the right loan for you, even if you have bad credit.

If your credit score is less than 640, you will most likely be denied by large banks. But don’t lose hope. A broker can help you find a loan that you can qualify for and start you on the path to homeownership. Making on time payments can help re-build your credit so that you can have an easier time securing loans in the future.

Dennis Dahlberg
Broker/RI/CEO/MLO

Level 4 Funding LLC
Tel:  (623) 582-4444 | Fax: (888) 279-6917

www.level4funding.com
NMLS 1057378 | AZMB 0923961 | MLO 1057378
23335 N 18th Drive Suite 120
Phoenix AZ 85027

Types of Bad Credit Mortgage Arizona: Hard Money Lending

There are a variety of circumstances that can lead to a low credit score. Learn how you can get a bad credit mortgage Arizona and qualify for a home loan, even if your credit is less than perfect.

Bad credit can make you feel like a failure. Many Americans who have bad credit report feeling alone, miserable, and almost hopeless. There is a false picture of a person with bad credit that paints him as irresponsible, reckless, and even as a thief. This could not be further from the truth. There are a variety of factors that can lead to a lower credit score. Job loss, divorce, a sudden change in income, or even an old credit card you forgot about can cause your credit score to suffer. Recent statistics released from FICO Inc. show that 25% of the 170 million Americans with active credit accounts have a FICO score of less than 600. This is considered a low credit score and if you have a low score, you can have trouble getting credit cards, car loans, and even store credit accounts.

If you are one of the 42.5 million Americans with a low credit score, you probably assume that homeownership is beyond your reach. However, with new bad credit mortgage Arizona programs as well as federal programs, borrowers can qualify with low FICO scores.

As with any mortgage it is important to analyze the risks and benefits of a low credit mortgage. Once you have decided to stop letting your FICO score hold you back, it is important to know your options. Most likely you will not qualify for a bad credit mortgage through a bank, so it is important to find a reputable mortgage broker. A broker has more flexibility in terms of types of loans that can be offered so you are more likely to qualify via a broker than a bank.

There are many types of bad credit mortgages that are offered in Arizona. Many people know about adjustable rate mortgages and FHA loans that are designed for long term homeownership. However, there is a less well known bad credit mortgage Arizona called a hard money loan. Rather than the goal being long term homeownership, a hard money loan is designed to be an investment strategy to help borrowers with bad credit make smart real estate investments and turn large profits.

What is a Hard Money Loan?

For many people with bad credit, they assume that real estate investing is out of their reach because a bank will not lend them money for a mortgage. A hard money loan is a type of loan that is designed specifically for real estate investments. It is secured by a mortgage broker but backed by an investor or group of investors instead of a bank. The loan is for a short period of time, usually a few months to about 4 years. The goal of the loan is a true investment, for everyone involved to make money.

In order to secure a hard money loan, you need to work with a mortgage broker. You would determine a property that you wish to purchase that is a sound investment. Typically these are fix and flip type houses that can build equity quickly. Once you have a property in mind, your broker will connect with a hard money investor or investment team. The investors will examine the merit of the property and the money making potential. They will use this information to determine whether or not they want to invest their capital.

Since a hard money loan is backed by investors, they are more likely to give loans to individuals with bad credit. Instead of only looking at numbers, the investors look at the potential for the property to make money and don’t focus solely on the credit score of the borrower. Once the borrower has renovated the property and sells it, the investors make back their money plus a certain amount of interest. The borrower also makes money on the investment so it is a win/win situation.

If a hard money loan sounds like a good investment for you, talk with a mortgage broker.

A hard money loan is a special type of bad credit mortgage Arizona in that it allows individuals with bad credit to make real estate investments. These investments can have high returns and have great money making potential. If you have bad credit but want to invest in real estate, a hard money loan might be a good option for you. Talk with a mortgage broker today to help you secure your first loan.

Dennis Dahlberg
Broker/RI/CEO/MLO

Level 4 Funding LLC
Tel:  (623) 582-4444 | Fax: (888) 279-6917

www.level4funding.com
NMLS 1057378 | AZMB 0923961 | MLO 1057378
23335 N 18th Drive Suite 

Using Adjustable Rate Mortgages and Other Subprime Loans to Your Advantage

Having bad credit can make it almost impossible to get a home loan but there are lenders that offer programs for a bad credit mortgage Arizona. There are different options available to help subprime borrowers that can also be taken advantage of by borrowers with good credit.

Close to 42 million Americans have bad credit, which is approximately one quarter of all individuals with active credit accounts. This is defined as a score of less than 640 and can make it difficult to qualify for a car loan, home loan, credit cards, and even store accounts. For many individuals with bad credit, buying a home seems impossible. However, many mortgage brokers offer bad credit mortgage Arizona programs to help Arizona residents qualify for home loans.

One type of loan that is available for people with bad credit is an adjustable rate mortgage or ARM. An ARM is offered to subprime borrowers who would not qualify for a traditional loan. It offers a low interest rate at first but then resets to a high interest rate after a specified period, usually 1 to 7 years. Once the rate adjusts your mortgage payment will increase due to the higher interest rate. This can be a good option if you only plan on owning the property short term or if you know you will be able to qualify to refinance your loan at the end of your low rate period. Although an ARM is a type of bad credit mortgage Arizona, it can also be beneficial for borrowers with good credit.

A second type of loan is a type of FHA loan. An FHA loan is backed by the government and will allow you to borrow about 96.5% of the value of the home you are purchasing. This means that you won’t have to come up with a large chunk for a down payment. In addition, the government backing means that you will be more likely to qualify, even with less than stellar credit. You will pay monthly insurance on your loan. In addition to you principle and interest payments, you will also pay a PMI insurance payment. This will increase the amount of your monthly mortgage payments until you pay off 20% of the loan amount. You can also couple FHA loans with different federal programs that offer down payment assistance or cash back at closing like Home in 5. These programs are constantly evolving and changing, so make sure to talk with a mortgage broker about what you may qualify for.

 A third type of bad credit mortgage Arizona that is available is a hard money loan. A hard money loan is secured through a mortgage broker but is backed by investors instead of a bank. This is especially beneficial for people looking to do a fix and flip or short term purchase. Depending on the merit of the property you are purchasing as well as potential for income, investors will often invest capital, even if your credit score is lower than what is ideal. It should be noted that hard money loans are short term loans only. They cannot be used to purchase a home you plan to live in for any significant amount of time. These are designed primarily for real estate investors.

When Does a Bad Credit Mortgage Make Good Financial Sense?

For some borrowers, a bad credit mortgage Arizona  is the only option they have to purchase a home. However, some of these bad credit loans can benefit traditional borrowers as well. Specifically, an adjustable rate mortgage. An ARM can save you thousands of dollars in interest over the life of your loan and makes sense in certain lending situations. Here are five situations that could benefit from an adjustable rate mortgage:

1.       You plan to sell your home prior to the rate raise. If you only plan on living in your home for a short period of time, an adjustable rate can save you money. If you sell before the rate raises you will never have to pay the higher interest rate.

2.       You have bad credit, but you are working on it. An ARM is a fantastic option to help rebuild your credit score. If you know you will be able to qualify to refinance before the rate adjusts, it is a good way to get into a home and start rebuilding your credit score.

3.       You expect a windfall. You know you will be able to pay the home off early due to an inheritance. Then the ARM can save you interest while you wait to pay off the home.

4.       You expect your income to increase. If the loan resets, you will be able to pay the higher interest payments because you will be earning more money.

5.       You plan to fix up the home and sell it for a profit. If you are not planning a long term investment, an ARM can save you money while you are renovating.

Talk with a mortgage broker to determine if an ARM or other bad credit loan is right for you.

Whether you need to rebuild your credit or are in a situation where you could benefit by taking advantage of a bad credit loan, a mortgage broker can help you determine the right product for you.

Dennis Dahlberg
Broker/RI/CEO/MLO

Level 4 Funding LLC
Tel:  (623) 582-4444 | Fax: (888) 279-6917

www.level4funding.com
NMLS 1057378 | AZMB 0923961 | MLO 1057378
23335 N 18th Drive Suite 120
Phoenix AZ 85027